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Chris Jackson
protect yourself
There has been a sharp rise in the number of HIV and syphilis diagnoses amongst gay men
The HSE is urging men to use condoms and get checked regularly.
MEDICS HAVE SAID they are concerned about the upswing in notifications of HIV and other dangerous sexually-transmitted infections.
The latest report from the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) show increases in detections of HIV, syphilis and gonorrhoea in Ireland.
The latest figures show:
- HIV diagnoses increased by 30%
- Syphilis detections increased by 50%
- Gonorrhoea rates in men have risen by 63%
Dr Derval Igoe, specialist in public health medicine, said: “We are concerned about a 50% increase in syphilis, and a 30% increase in HIV cases in 2015.
“Although some of the increase in HIV can be explained by a change in the notification procedures for HIV and an outbreak in people who inject drugs, these increases have largely been seen in men who have sex with men (MSM).
MSM account for four fifths of the syphilis cases, and more than half of the HIV cases.
Not protected
A recent survey on sexual behaviours in MSM in Ireland found 25% of men have had unprotected anal intercourse with more than one partner in the last year, increasing their risk of getting HIV and STIs.
The survey also found that 37% of men had never been tested for HIV and 38% had never been tested for an STI.
Dr Fiona Lyons, clinical lead for HSE’s sexual health said: “Promoting condom use and regular testing remain key to limiting the spread of HIV and STIs in men who have sex with men.”
Medics along with gay health groups are urging men to protect themselves and get checked regularly.
Noel Sutton, a member of the national group and director of the Gay Health Network, said: “Safer sex using condoms is an effective way of preventing HIV and other STIs.
“We encourage men who have sex with men and who have taken a sexual health risk to get tested for HIV and STIs. Details of free HIV and STI testing services, condoms, support and information are available atwww.man2man.ie or from Gay Switchboard Ireland.
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