News

New figures indicate that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are rising rapidly among young people.

Between 1997 and 2002 there was an increase of 97 per cent in diagnoses of gonorrhoea, and 103 per cent in diagnoses of chlamydia. The highest rates of both infections were among women aged 16 to 19 and men aged 25 to 34.

Chalamydia can cause infertility, but it often shows no symptoms.

High risk sexual behaviour is one of the main factors behind the increase. But there were also concerns about delays in diagnosing and treating STIs, which make it more likely that complications will occur and that infections will be passed on.

The BMA confirmed that genitourinary clinics were unable to cope with the increase in the incidence of STIs, and that as a result some patients were having to wait for weeks for treatment.

BMA chairman James Johnson said,

“It is a scandal that the service we offer patients today is worse than it was ninety years ago. During the First World War a free, rapid and totally confidential service was set up to treat sexually transmitted infections.

“Nearly a century later patients who turn up at GUM clinics can wait up to six weeks for an appointment. What use is that?”