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7% increase in STIs in Ireland between 2017 and 2018, new data suggests

The prominent STIs were chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes and syphilis.

THERE HAS BEEN a 7% increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Ireland in 2018 compared to 2017, according to provisional data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).

The prominent STIs were chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes and syphilis. 

In recent years, the greatest burden of STIs is among young people aged between 15-24 and men who have sex with men (MSM), according to the HSE. 

Following the publication of the HPSC report today, the HSE sexual health and crisis pregnancy programme is advising people of the importance of using condoms to protect against STIs. 

In response to the rise in STI and HIV diagnoses, the HSE national condom distribution service has been supporting sexual health campaigns. 

The service distributes free condoms and lubricants to third level colleges, festival and nightlife venues, NGOs and community organisations. 

Condoms are also distributed to MSM specific social venues such as saunas, bars, clubs and pubs.

“Many STIs do not have any symptoms. If you think you have an STI or you may have been at risk, it is important to get tested and if necessary, be treated,” Helen Deely, programme lead of the sexual health and crisis pregnancy programme, said. 

“Treating STIs promptly reduces the likelihood of them being passed onto someone else. This is particularly important for HIV. Starting HIV treatment as early as possible keeps you healthy and stops HIV transmission to others,” she said.

Using condoms correctly and every time you have sex will reduce your risk of contracting an STI. Plan ahead and carry condoms with you if you are sexually active.

“If you have a new partner, it is a good idea for both persons to have a sexual health check-up before having sex without a condom.”

STI and HIV testing is available for free through public STI clinics

Testing is also available through many GPs, student health services and NGOs at a fee. 

Sexual health support can be found here: 

  • HSE’s HIV and Sexual Health free and confidential helpline is on 1800 459 459 or email helpline@hse.ie
  • Men who have sex with men can find information and support at www.man2man.ie
  • LGBT Ireland’s free and confidential helpline is on 1890 929 539 or visit  www.lgbt.ie

More information and advice on preventing STIs can be found here

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    Mute Pokey2013
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    Jun 9th 2014, 8:34 AM

    Good for her! This really is a no brainer as an industry for the west of Ireland.

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    Mute Ciaran Farrell
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    Jun 9th 2014, 10:07 AM

    It should be but this government through an uduras na gaeltachta company called arramara are trying to corner the market from erris hd to loop hd by applying for a license which would stop cottage industries from cutting seaweed in west mayo, Galway and Clare thus giving a monopoly. At the same time they are negotiating the sale of arramara teo to a private Canadian company. Think they’re holding out for a suitable price. 30 pieces of silver perhaps?Absolute disgrace and the deal being done quietly. This will shut down countless cottage industries and is getting little or no coverage.

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    Mute Hallie Burton
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    Jun 9th 2014, 10:13 AM

    Another scam being played out on us Ciaran.

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    Mute Ciaran Farrell
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    Jun 9th 2014, 10:52 AM

    It is indeed. The worst part of it is that in many villages on our western seaboard there are so few opportunities to ” turn a pound” that this will be devastating and nobody is shouting stop ( or at least nobody with influence on kildare st.). This is Minister Ring’s heartland yet he is strangely quiet for a lad who loved the soapbox when in opposition.

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    Mute Thors Big Hammer
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    Jun 9th 2014, 8:42 AM

    Fair play to this woman and her drive to to be successful.

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    Mute Brendan Harlowe
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    Jun 9th 2014, 12:14 PM

    I think she flew in actually .

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    Mute Ben Gunn
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    Jun 9th 2014, 8:55 AM

    It is not an either/or choice. To grow your business all markets should be explored. The Irish home market is tiny and many of our indigenous industries would simply fold without overseas sales.

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    Mute Aaron
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    Jun 9th 2014, 9:14 AM

    Why would/should any business limit themselves to a single market?

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    Mute Dee4
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    Jun 9th 2014, 9:14 AM

    well done to the lady, there are increasing warnings not to consume anything from the Pacific. Japan and even the West Coast of the US should be great markets for her

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    Mute Hallie Burton
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    Jun 9th 2014, 10:12 AM

    We don’t eat enough of it ourselves.

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    Mute Hallie Burton
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    Jun 9th 2014, 10:38 AM

    Maybe someone could tell us where ‘sea vegetables’ are on sale in locally? I can get dried product in the Asia Market in Drury Street and very nice it is too. Try this site for lots of info http://www.seaweed.ie/uses_ireland/irishseaweedfood.php

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    Mute Michelle Blessing
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    Jun 9th 2014, 11:54 AM

    What a shame we are exporting to a country that carries out horrific atrocities against dolphins and whales in Taiji.

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    Mute Frank
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    Jun 9th 2014, 8:36 AM

    Japan still has a market for glow in the dark seaweed.

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    Mute J. Dunn
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    Jun 9th 2014, 9:37 AM

    Do you have a link for that, Frank?

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    Mute Frank
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    Jun 9th 2014, 10:46 AM
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