{"id":74171,"date":"2016-09-15T08:30:44","date_gmt":"2016-09-15T08:30:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?guid=5a178f901aadfd23502df4a54a36878d"},"modified":"2016-09-15T08:30:44","modified_gmt":"2016-09-15T08:30:44","slug":"press-release-phe-reminds-young-londoners-to-practice-safe-sex","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?p=74171","title":{"rendered":"Press release: PHE reminds young Londoners to practice safe sex"},"content":{"rendered":"
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In 2015 those aged 15 to 24 living in the capital made up 36% of all new STI<\/abbr> diagnoses; with gonorrhoea, chlamydia, genital warts, genital herpes and syphilis all being diagnosed.<\/p>\n

In association with the Family Planning Association\u2019s (FPA<\/abbr>) Sexual Health Week (12 to 18 September), which this year focuses on STIs<\/abbr>, Public Health England (PHE<\/abbr>) London is raising awareness of STIs<\/abbr> among young Londoners and reminding them of the importance of practicing safe sex.<\/p>\n

From 2011 to 2015 new diagnoses of syphilis and gonorrhoea in 15 to 24 year olds in London increased by 128% and 61% respectively. Genital herpes also rose by 4%. Overall the number of new STIs<\/abbr> fell from 44,283 in 2011 to 42,457 (4%) in 2015.<\/p>\n

Cases of chlamydia, the most common STI<\/abbr>, have fallen between 2011 and 2015 from 24,017 to 22,891 (5%), however this is likely to represent a decrease in people coming forward for testing. The decrease in numbers of chlamydia diagnoses also accounts for the overall decrease in new STIs<\/abbr> among this group.<\/p>\n

Chlamydia detection rates among 15 to 24 year olds differ across London, and this largely reflects varying rates of testing. Diagnosing and treating STIs<\/abbr> is vital in reducing the burden of poor sexual health in London. Providers across the capital must focus on effectively promoting sexual health services to young people along with working to prevent infections in the first place.<\/p>\n

To reduce the number of STIs<\/abbr>, it is important that young Londoners are familiar with the PHE<\/abbr> recommendations for safe sexual health. These include annual STI<\/abbr> screening and on change of sexual partner, as well as the need for re-testing after a positive chlamydia diagnosis (within 3 months of initial diagnosis).<\/p>\n

Dr Yvonne Doyle, regional director for PHE<\/abbr> London, said:<\/p>\n

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These figures show that too many young people in London are continuing to have unsafe sex, putting themselves at unnecessary risk of contracting STIs<\/abbr>.<\/p>\n

Young Londoners are one of the groups we know are at increased risk of experiencing poor sexual health, along with men who have sex with men (MSM<\/abbr>) and black ethnic minorities.<\/p>\n

Young people tend to have more sexual partners and are more likely to have unsafe sex. These factors mean they are at increased risk of contracting STIs<\/abbr> and becoming re-infected.<\/p>\n

Working closely with young Londoners and other at risk groups is vital to deliver effective public health interventions and improve their sexual health outcomes.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

To mark this year\u2019s Sexual Health Week, FPA<\/abbr> surveyed more than 2,000 people across the UK to find out what they know and think about safe sex and STI<\/abbr> testing. Among 16 to 24 year olds who have been sexually active, they found:<\/p>\n