Practise safer sex and avoid getting an unromantic Valentine's gift

The Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland (HPA) is using radio advertising during Valentine’s week to highlight the dangers associated with unprotected sex and raise awareness of the risks associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia.

Dr Brian Gaffney, Chief Executive of the HPA, said: “The radio advertisements use humour because qualitative research with 18-30 year olds has shown this is an effective approach to raise awareness about a serious and sensitive health issue. Recent figures show that chlamydia is one of the most common bacterial STIs diagnosed in Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) clinics in Northern Ireland.¹

“This is an STI which can have no symptoms in 50% of men and 70% of women but, if left untreated, can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility in women. In 2007, chlamydia accounted for over one in four of all new STI diagnoses, with the highest rates of infection being among 20-24 year olds for both males and females.”²

The advertisements were developed in collaboration with the fpa (Family Planning Association). Both organisations believe there needs to be strong reinforcement of the safer sex message, highlighting the risk of both unprotected sex and casual sex.

Dr Audrey Simpson, Director of the fpa, said: “We know from calls to our helpline that too many people including young people are taking risks with their sexual health by having unprotected sex. Many do not realise that STIs can have long term and even life-threatening consequences for their future lives. These advertisements will reinforce the message that safer sex is ‘cool’.”

Dr Gaffney added: “If you discover you have an STI, it is really important that you tell anyone you have had sex with to go and get a check up too. Don’t put your head in the sand – STIs can do permanent damage if not treated early enough so, if you are concerned about your sexual health, contact your local GUM clinic for an appointment without delay.”

A number of sexual health events supported by the HPA and being organised by members of the Sexual Health Information Exchange Group (SHIEG) are targeted at those involved in sexual health promotion and will be taking place across Northern Ireland.

END

Notes to the editor
Dr Brian Gaffney, Chief Executive of the HPA, will be available for interview on Monday 9 February. Contact the Press Office to arrange interview.
¹,² Health Protection Agency and Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (NI). HIV and STI surveillance in Northern Ireland: 2008

Northern Health and Social Care Trust
Janice Armstrong, Health Promotion Officer for Sexual Health
Tel: 028 2563 5575
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
Joanna Gregg and Joe Harris, Sexual Health Coordinators
Tel: 028 9090 0051

Western Health and Social Care Trust
Ann Linstrom, Health Promotion Officer for Sexual Health
Tel: 028 7186 5127

Southern Health and Social Care Trust
Lyndsey McCann, Health Promotion Officer for Sexual Health
Tel: 028 3741 2424

For further information
Contact the HPA Press Office on 028 9031 1611.