Q: How many teenagers are contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
A: Since 1995 there has been a dramatic rise in the diagnosis of acute STIs such as genital chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and genital warts. Chlamydia cases increased by more than 200 per cent between 1995 and 2004, gonorrhoea cases by more than 100 per cent and syphilis, which only affects a small number of people, rocketed by 1,497 per cent. In particular, there has been a large increase in sexually transmitted infections among teenage women and men who have sex with men.
In 2004, 76 per cent of diagnoses of chlamydia infections in women occurred in the under-25 age group and 36 per cent of diagnoses were in 16- to 19-year-old young women. It is estimated that as many as one in 10 sexually active young women may be carrying the infection. A chlamydia screening programme, launched in 1999, will provide a clearer picture.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
