International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Testing for sexually transmitted infections (STI) is becoming more commonplace, it has been suggested.

Jason Warriner, clinical director at the Terrence Higgins Trust, a charity which works to improve sexual health in the UK, said increased testing within the community is having a positive effect.

"It's making it more convenient, it's making it more normal to have a checkup for STIs," he said.

"We do a lot of programmes within the national chlamydia screening programme which take the service to local people – going to places like bars, pubs, clubs, social venues."

Statistics released this week by the Health Protection Agency revealed that the number of diagnoses of chlamydia rose by seven per cent in 2009 compared to 2008.

Responding to the data, Natika Halil, director of information at the Family Planning Association, said: "The state of sexual health in the UK is complicated and a cause for serious concern."

"Young men don't wear condoms and it appears it's young women who end up with the infection," she added.

Posted by David Smith