21 December 2010
With the Christmas party season in full flight, sexually active people are being reminded to always practise safe sex as the rates of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) remain high in the Territory.
The latest Sexual Health & Blood Borne Virus Surveillance Update (covering the January-June 2010 period) shows little change in Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Syphilis notifications, although there has been a 19 per cent increase in Trichomonas notifications.
"The Territory's statistics are high compared to other jurisdictions," the Manager of the NT Sexual Health & Blood Borne Virus Unit, Jamie Broadfoot, said.
"Despite regular warnings about the risk of contracting STIs through unsafe sex, people continue to take chances by not always using condoms - and they are paying the price.
"The festive season can be a particularly risky time so it is important to remind people what the consequences of their actions could be."
Mr Broadfoot says using condoms is the best protection against sexually transmitted infections.
"Many STIs don't present obvious symptoms so people should seek screening as a regular part of the health care, particularly if they fall into a risk category," he said.
"Having an STI can also put people at more risk of contracting other STIs, including HIV."
Mr Broadfoot said people who have unprotected sex with numerous partners should seek screening to ensure they are not unwittingly transmitting an infection.
Anyone concerned about their sexual contacts should contact Clinic 34 on phone 8999 2678 to access free and confidential screening.
The latest surveillance update can be viewed at:
http://www.health.nt.gov.au/Centre_for_Disease_Control/Publications/Sexual_Health_Surveillance_Updates/index.aspx
Media inquiries: Dale Webster, 8999 2818 or 0401 116 203
