Warnings about an increase in STI's across Teesside
Health bosses in Hartlepool have important sexual health advice in the wake of the New Year party season.
Government figures show up to last year, rates of gonorrhoea infections have soared on Teesside, with one of the highest levels in the North of England, and as national rates of STI's have steadily increased over the last 10 years, local health authorities are encouraging people to get tested.
Louise Wallace, Hartlepool’s Director of Public Health, said:
“Unprotected sex increases the risk of catching sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhoea and chlamydia leading to possible complications in later life, including infertility.
**“Common STIs like chlamydia can take two weeks to be detectable so the middle of January is the perfect time to get tested.”
**Teesside Sexual Health Service – a service commissioned by Hartlepool Council - provides treatment and advice on sexual health issues, emergency contraception and free condoms.
The Hartlepool service is based at the One Life Centre on Park Road and there are similar services in Stockton on Tees, Middlesbrough and Redcar.
Louise Wallace added:
“The service is free and provides confidential sexual health advice to people of all ages, genders and orientations. Everyone is welcome to use the service and you don’t need to see a GP first.”
For more information visit or call 0300 3301122. Phone lines are open 24 hours a day Monday to Friday.