chlamydia transmission With Sexual Health Week continuing until Sunday, public health experts are encouraging young people and others to consult their doctor for regular sex health check-ups as well as to continue safe-sex practices.

The key message of this year’s Sexual Health Week from September 17-23 is ‘Check it Out’ with the campaign to particularly focus on targeting the transmission of Chlamydia.

In Sydney, recent figures from the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) Public Health Unit show rates of Chlamydia continue to rise by an average of 15 per cent annually among 16 – 25 year olds in the South Eastern Sydney region.

From 2008 to 2011, Chlamydia notifications in Sydney’s eastern and south eastern suburbs, which include the Botany Bay, Randwick, Sydney, Waverley and Woollahra local government areas, have increased by 34 per cent in males and 30 per cent in females.

Director of Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Dr Anna McNulty, told SX while the increase could be largely put down to greater testing for the STI, notification rates continued to remain high amongst gay men and men who have sex with men.

“This is largely due to increased testing for Chlamydia, but also due to increased Chlamydia notification rates, which are unfortunately still high amongst gay men, and more so, men who have sex with men,” she said.

“Many people who have an STI do not have any obvious symptoms or signs, particularly with Chlamydia, which often has no symptoms.

“Chlamydia is easy to test for with a urine test and, like many STIs, is easily treated with a simple dose of antibiotics. But it is better to have never had it at all. Chlamydia is easily prevented by using condoms,” she said.

“We encourage young people who are sexually active to use condoms and to see their GP, local sexual health clinic or youth health service to check out their sexual health and regularly test for STIs, in particular Chlamydia.”

A number of events will be held in Sydney to coincide with Sexual Health Week. A Safety and Wellness Expo will run at the University of NSW all week featuring live music, demonstrations, stalls, workshops and free giveaways including safe sex packs. Yesterday, a Creative Youth Initiative was held at Surry Hills involving the creation of a mural as well as a music video while Woolloomooloo PCYC hosted a sexual health awareness workshop and training sessions for youth workers.