NUMBERS of people treated for sexually transmitted infections in East Anglia rose slightly during last year, new figures show.A total of 16,367 people in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire sought medical attention for a sexually transmitted infection during 2006, according to figures from the Health Protection Agency compared to 16,185 during 2005.

NUMBERS of people treated for sexually transmitted infections in East Anglia rose slightly during last year, new figures show.

A total of 16,367 people in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire sought medical attention for a sexually transmitted infection during 2006, according to figures from the Health Protection Agency compared to 16,185 during 2005.

But levels of Chlamydia, one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, which often has no symptoms and can leave women infertile, have fallen in the three counties by 69 cases.

Dr Amanda Jones, public health clinician for Suffolk Primary Care Trust (PCT), said: “GPs and hospital genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinics are often the first port of call for people who think they may have acquired a sexually-transmitted disease (STD), and I would urge anyone who is anxious to make contact with their doctor or local GUM clinic to get checked out.

“Clearly, a big part of preventing the infection by any STD is to practice safe sex. Condoms can offer a good protection against STDs.”

Health bosses provide free screening for Chlamydia to all young people under the age of 25.

Negative results can be sent via text where possible, which is the preference of the majority of young people.

For more information on where the service is available, visit www.amiclear.com or call 01473 275228.