Marie Stopes comments on STI statistics

Marie Stopes comments on STI statistics

Marie Stopes comments on STI statistics

Helen Jenkins, Contraception and Sexual Health Specialist, from Marie Stopes International said:

“We are extremely concerned about the reported rise in the rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK. It is clear that some young people are not fully aware of the prevalence of STIs and how they can protect themselves against getting one.

“We fear that STI rates may continue to rise, particularly among young people, without increasing access to comprehensive sex and relationships education in all British schools.

“Many teachers tell us that they don’t have the confidence or information to teach sex and relationships education effectively, despite knowing that many of their students are sexually active.

“For sexually active couples, the most effective way to prevent STI transmission is to use a male or female condom.”

ENDS

Notes to editor
All women who come to our centres are offered Chlamydia testing with one in 12 returning a positive result. Left undiagnosed, Chlamydia can lead to infertility in women.
Marie Stopes International also provides a full range of STI testing across its centres.

Marie Stopes International
Marie Stopes International is Britain’s leading independent sexual and reproductive health provider, delivering services to more than 100,000 clients across nine centres each year.
Marie Stopes is a not-for-profit organisation working to ensure that men and women can plan their family and have the information, tools and treatments to protect themselves against sexually transmitted diseases.
Internationally, we deliver family planning and sexual healthcare to more than six million people each year in 43 countries. For more information, please visit our website www.mariestopes.org.uk