NEW health figures show the safe-sex message isn’t getting through to some Melton residents, with sexually transmissible infections (STIs) on the rise.
Figures released last week by the Department of Health show chlamydia rates in Melton have increased 52 per cent since 2010. In the 12 months to August, there were 385 reported incidents of chlamydia and 40 of gonorrhoea.
Westcare Medical Centre’s Graham Jacobs said GPs were supposed to offer routine chlamydia screenings to all patients under the age of 25 who have had unprotected sex.
“The problem is most STIs don’t have symptoms,” Dr Jacobs said. “Chlamydia has always been relatively high.
“We’re supposed to opportunistically check all under 25s for chlamydia.
‘‘It’s tough to broach the subject when a patient comes in for the flu or a broken ankle. It’s up to the GP to remember to broach the topic in a way that it’s not out of the blue.”
Dr Jacobs said it was frustrating that many people weren’t taking necessary precautions. “I think the schools do a relatively good job on educating students about safe sex,” he said.
“But I think people don’t practise what they’re told.
‘‘Look at drink-driving and speeding; the message is getting out there but not all people take up that message.”
Figures also show infection rates for blood-borne virus hepatitis C doubled in Melton, from 22 cases in 2010 to 45 in the 12 months to August.
Salmonella poisoning in Melton increased from 39 cases in 2010 to 68 in 2013.
For more information about safe sex visit ideas.health.vic.gov.au/diseases.asp
