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Focus on safer
sex for contraception awareness week
As
the number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continues
to increase the Health Promotion Agency and the Family
Planning Association (fpaNI) are urging young people who
are sexually active to think about using methods of contraception
that will help protect them against STIs as well as unplanned
pregnancies during Contraception Awareness Week.
Lynn
Bruce, Regional Health Promotion Manager for Children and
Young People for the Health Promotion Agency, said: "There
is a real need for the safer sex message to be promoted. Too
often the main concern of young people who are sexually active
is avoiding unplanned pregnancy but we are urging them to
also think about the risk of STIs. Unlike other forms of contraception
condoms can help protect against STIs."
Recent
research has shown that more than 18,000 people attended Northern
Ireland clinics last year for sexually transmitted infections
and that the number of infections reported among young people
aged 16-24 years has also increased dramatically.
Audrey
Simpson, Director of the fpaNI, said: "Young women using hormonal
methods of contraception, such as the pill or injection, believe
they are practising safer sex. Unfortunately while they may
be protecting themselves from unplanned pregnancy they are
not protecting themselves from STIs. It is therefore vital
that we get across the 'belt and braces' message of using
the pill and condom."
Research
shows that one of the infections increasing most rapidly among
young people in Northern Ireland is chlamydia. Of those who
contract this infection, 75% of women and 50% men will experience
no symptoms at all but if left untreated it can lead to infertility
and ectopic pregnancy. Research also shows that the number
of cases of syphilis in Northern Ireland has increased dramatically.
Lynn
added: "The fact that many STIs are on the increase among
our young people is worrying. This week will give all those
people working in the field of sexual health the opportunity
to raise awareness of the need to protect themselves against
these infections."
Information
packs for professionals are available from the fpaNI during
Contraception Awareness Week which will run from 11-17 February
2002.
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