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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:
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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And this is why they should not be aloud give blood.
This is sad to see.
Back in the 90s, most gay men were very aware of the dangers of unprotected sex after seeing many of their friends suffer and die from AIDs in the decade before. These days, with how treatable HIV is, you don’t see the same affects first hand. Couple this with the feeling of invincibility young people have, with a lack of education/awareness, and it leads to this.
More safe-sex education which is inclusive of gay sex is needed in schools.
@meatyslaps:
The Only Education that is needed in schools is that sex is a sacred act between a man and a woman reserved for procreation. Anything else leads to unhappiness.
The elephant in the room – immigration – is not being discussed here. Previous research has shown that around half new HIV AIDS cases are from sub Saharan Africa. It’s relevant because we need to know whether the problem is people not listening to advice on avoiding stds, or else is it already infected people migrating here.
Gay.
Who deleted all the comments! Ffs clowns
Journal censors working overtime again
@MaryLou(ny)McDonald: right now the comment count says 11 comments but there are actually only 5…six deleted. Free speeech (my ar5e)
Censors had at work again! It wont stop the STDi’s!
have your say