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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