Dublin reports sharp spikes in genital herpes and chlamydia
A report released by the Dublin Well Woman Centre June 24 shows some alarming trends in sexually transmitted infections (STI) and general sexual health in the Irish population.
According to their 2012 Annual Report, in 2012, 252 positive Chlamydia infections were diagnosed by the Well Woman Centre in its three centres, an increase of 35% on the same figure for 2011.
Even more striking is the increases in herpes simplex II (HSV 2). HSV 2 relates predominantly to genital herpes and levels of this infection went from 22 cases in 2011 to 38 in 2012, representing an increase of 72%.
Alison Begas, Chief Executive of the Well Woman Centre, is calling on the government to treat this matter with urgency–“The Department of Health commenced the development of a National Sexual Health Strategy during 2012, which is due for publication in the autumn. The dramatic increase in positive results for Genital Herpes is extremely alarming, as is the fact that while the number of patients being tested by us for Chlamydia has increased by 12.5% in 12 months, the number of positive tests has increased by 35%.The increase in the number of patients being tested reflects greater awareness of Chlamydia in the population and more openness around it.. However, it is also due to a proactive approach by Well Woman’s clinic staff in promoting the availability and value of testing.
“From Well Woman’s clinical experience over our 35 year existence, it is clear that Ireland’s sexual health needs have changed. While many of these changes are positive, women and men are now more exposed to more sexually transmitted infections than ever before and the services must be in place to meet these needs.”
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2).
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), People get herpes by having sex with someone who has the disease. “Having sex” means anal, vaginal, or oral sex. HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be found in and released from the sores that the viruses cause. The viruses can also be released from skin that does not appear to have a sore.
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacterium. Chlamydia can infect both men and women and can cause serious, permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive organs.
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This article breaks my heart. Please tell others about viradux-AU for genital herpes. There is a cure for 86% of the population.
This is directly due to the government ban on Gen 3 treatments… specifically viradux-AU, and other effective “cures” for herpes. Thank goodness the ban was lifted and now hopefully, those people who have been effected can be cleared of this disease. Also, it will reduce infection in the long run… a very good thing indeed.
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THIS IS A NON-STORY. IF YOU ENJOY ADVENTUROUS SEX, GENITAL HERPES AND OTHER SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED DISEASES ARE PART OF THE DEAL.
CHRISTOPHER ALLEN HORTON
Despite drastic improvements in this area, Ireland still has a long way to come. Can you imagine that condoms were not fully available in Ireland until 1993 (without some form of restriction)- crazy stuff. A lot of good work is now being done on this area but more resources are needed and our government are certainly not handing out much money these days
WELL, I SHOULD HAVE LIVED IN IRELAND BEFORE 1993.