Sexually transmitted infections double in Scotland

Published on Tuesday 28 July 2009 09:42

THE number of cases of sexually transmitted infections in Scotland has almost doubled in a decade, figures showed today.

Clinics saw 23,171 cases of diseases such as syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia in 2008 – that compares with 12,077 cases in 1998.

Staff at genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinics diagnosed 9,332 cases of genital chlamydia last year and 7,360 cases of genital warts.

The NHS figures also show that 829 cases of gonorrhoea and 270 cases of infectious syphilis were diagnosed, while 119 people were diagnosed with HIV.

Almost a quarter of all acute sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were diagnosed in people aged under 20 – with 5,652 cases in this age group.

The workload in GUM clinics also increased by 16 per cent last year.

However the number of cases of STIs will be higher, as the figures only show those cases diagnosed in GUM clinics.

Liberal Democrat health spokesman Ross Finnie said: "It is clear from these figures that people still aren't getting the message about safe sex in Scotland, especially young people.

"A quarter of all acute sexually transmitted infections are reported in those younger than 20. More effort must be made in making it clear that an STI is not a badge of honour but can lead to serious and lasting health problems.

"This increase is only the tip of the iceberg as many STIs are diagnosed at GP practices or family planning centres.

"The Scottish Government must wake up to the true extent of the problem.

"Being open and honest with young people about the dangers of sex is vital if we are to reduce the number of infections."

Public Health Minister Shona Robison said she was "disappointed and concerned" at the increasing number of infections but added: "It is encouraging to see increased awareness of, and testing for, STIs – this in turn produces more diagnoses.

"We have seen more people visit GUM clinics and every young person who visits a health service – for example their GP surgery or local drop-in centre – are now asked if they have put themselves at risk and, if so, offered a test.

"Local health boards have introduced innovative measures to reach young people in their local area, such as postal testing kits for chlamydia."

The Government is "committed to breaking the cycles of transmission and reducing the prevalence of all STIs, especially in those under 25".

Ms Robison went on: "Our sexual health strategy Respect And Responsibility seeks to improve access to sexual health information and services, and is backed with a 15 million funding package over three years until 2011.

"We have also provided additional funding of 1 million to increase access to independent sexual health information, particularly in rural areas."

And while the Government and health professionals had a role to play, "individuals also have a big responsibility to take necessary precautions when deciding to embark on sexual relationships, and recognise the possible consequences of risk-taking behaviour."