Irish STIs from 1994 until 2004*

Consistent with other Western European countries, the numbers and rates of bacterial and viral STIs in Ireland have been increasing since the mid-1990s.

The total number of STIs in Ireland has increased more than 4 fold in ten years from 2,588 in 1994 to 10,695 in 2004.

During that time, notification of ano-genital warts has more than doubled to 4,174 and non-specific urethritis has quadrupled to 2,746. Cases of gonorrhoea rose nearly 3 fold to 270 cases in 2004. A thirteen-fold increase in syphilis cases was recorded between 1994 and 2004, when 144 cases were notified.  However, the greatest increase was seen in the number of chlamydia infections, which soared more than 20 fold to 2,803 cases.

   

 

The rising trends in STIs reflect the continued deterioration in Irish sexual health, particularly amongst young heterosexuals. People need to be informed of the risks. If you want to stay healthy, avoid sex until you are married, and then only have sex with your spouse! Anything less will put your sexual health at risk. Condoms appear to offer little if any protection.

 

The Full Health Service Executive (HSE) Board reprot on Irish STIs from Nov 2005 is available here. IRISH STIs Nov 2005.

    

      

      

      

 

      

      

      

      

      

*Figures for 2005 are not available at publication,  Feb. 06