There has been an alarming rise of cases of sexually transmitted infections over the last year.
Latest data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre shows a 43% rise in instances of chlamydia.
While cases of gonorrhea saw a 90% increase.
Pharmacist Laura Dowling outlines the reason behind the increase:
"The increase is probably due to changing behaviours, there's been more casual sex since the pandemic."
"Back when we weren't in contact with very many people."
@fabulouspharmacist Share with anyone you know who loves a ride. So basically everyone you know! 😜 Public health officials have appealed to people in the midwest to use condoms during sex, following unprecedented levels of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the region. A spokesman for Public Health Mid West, said it was "concerned" after recording "record levels of chlamydia and gonorrhoea" in Limerick, Clare and north Tipperary. Wearing a condom correctly and availing of frequent testing is the most practical way to prevent future infections and to protect your sexual partners. Condoms are not included in the free contraception scheme but using condoms correctly and every time you have sex will reduce your risk of getting an STI. The HSE provides condoms to a range of services for free distribution. These include many: * sexual health or GUM (genitourinary medicine) clinics * sexual health NGOs - find a list of these on Spunout.ie * third level colleges - If you are a student, check with your student’s union office or student health centre #health #wellbeing #sexualhealth #fertility #menshealth #womenshealth ♬ original sound - Fabulous Pharmacist
However Laura also says the HSE at-home testing programme (link here) may be contributing to the increase too.
"As a result that's showing an increase in numbers because a lot of STIs are asymptomatic, so you don't show any symptoms."
