Public health doctors in the Mid-West Region have expressed serious concern with what they confirm are unprecedented levels of the sexually transmitted infections chlamydia and gonorrhoea in the community so far in 2023.
The Mid-West region consists of counties Tipperary North, Clare and Limerick; spanning 10,511 km2, or 14.95% of the total area of the Irish State, serving a population of some 506,000 inhabitants.
HSE Public Health personnel in the Mid-West are already reporting record levels of gonorrhoea so far this year and claim that record levels of chlamydia are also likely to spike by the end of the year.
Troubling signs and symptoms of gonorrhoea infection in men include:
- Painful urination
- Pus-like discharge from the tip of the penis
- Pain or swelling in one testicle
Troubling signs and symptoms of gonorrhoea infection in women include:
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Painful urination
- Vaginal bleeding between periods, such as after vaginal intercourse
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
Troubling signs and symptoms of chlamydia infection in men again include:
- A discharge from their penis
- A burning sensation when peeing
- Less common is pain and swelling in one or both testicles
Troubling signs and symptoms of chlamydia infection in women again include:
- An abnormal vaginal discharge
- A burning sensation when peeing
- Note: Chlamydia often has no symptoms, but it can cause serious health problems, even without symptoms. If symptoms occur, they may not appear until several weeks after having sex with a partner who has chlamydia. Sexually active people can get chlamydia through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with a partner who has chlamydia and can cause permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system. This can make it difficult or impossible to get pregnant later. Chlamydia can also cause a potentially fatal pregnancy that occurs outside the womb.
In 2022, some 798 cases of chlamydia were recorded; an increase of 20% on 2019 figures, while 188 cases of gonorrhoea were recorded, latter an increase of 41% on 2019 figures, and same the highest statistics recorded for both of these infections, over the previous ten years.
To present date in 2023, some 664 cases of chlamydia and 274 cases of gonorrhoea have been diagnosed.
Free contraception is available to all persons aged 17 to 30 years, and SH24 home testing is also free for everyone within the state. If further advice is needed individuals can contact their GP, or go online at www.sexualwellbeing.ie.
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