Sexually transmitted diseases 'on the up'

Sexually transmitted diseases 'on the up'

The number of people presenting new cases of sexually transmitted infections (STI) in the UK has hit half-a-million.

According to STI experts at the Health Protection Agency (HPA), young people are the most likely to be affected.

The researchers also found that of those who succumb to an STI, one in ten will become infected again within a year.

Some 482,696 new cases were reported last year – an increase of three per cent on 2008 levels.

The HPA claimed that the rise was part of a "steady upward trend", which is more pronounced in poor, urban areas.

Worst affected areas included Lambeth, Manchester and Blackpool.

Dr Gwenda Hughes, a healthcare expert at the HPA, said: "These figures highlight the vulnerability of young women.

"Many studies have shown that young adults are more likely to have unsafe sex. Often they lack the skills and confidence to negotiate safer sex."Earlier this year, the Irish Health Service Executive (HSE) issued a warning to people about STIs."

Earlier this year, the Irish Health Service Executive (HSE) issued a warning to people about STIs.

According to the organisation, despite public awareness campaigns, a huge amount of literature, and easily-accessible treatment and advice, sexually transmitted disease are still a worrying problem in Ireland.

Dr Margaret Fitzgerald, consultant in public health medicine at the HSE, said that the problem was evident in both men and women in a variety of age groups.