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	The number of cases of Chlamydia in the capital has increased by almost a third, according to new figures released by the Dublin Well Woman Centre.</p>
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	In their annual report for 2014, 253 positive cases of the infection were recorded - an increase of 32pc compared to figures for 2013.</p>
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	This is the second highest recorded figure in the last 13 years.</p>
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	The number of people presenting themselves for testing also increased by 20pc.</p>
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	The highest ever level of tests occurred last year with 5,042 tests conducted across the organisation&#39;s three Dublin clinics.</p>
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	Alison Begas, chief executive of the Dublin Well Woman Centre said despite increased awareness around sexual health, the number of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are increasing at an alarming rate.</p>
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	&quot;These results highlight the need to expedite publication of the National Sexual Health Strategy,&quot; she said.</p>
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	&quot;The Well Woman Centre takes a proactive approach in promoting the availability and importance of testing, however we are only one service provider, and access to standardised testing must be improved nationwide.</p>
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	&quot;These diseases are becoming more prevalent, and we need action from the HSE now,&quot; she added.</p>
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	The report also shows an increase in the number of women choosing long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs).</p>
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	For the first time, more than 1,000 women had LARCs fitted with a total of 1,117 women choosing this form of contraception.</p>
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	A worrying trend in the report was the decline in women attending their free cervical screening tests.</p>
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	Just 7,198 were tested last year, down from a high of almost 10,000 tests in 2009.</p>
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	However, the greatest fall in numbers for smear tests is in the 25-29 age group, which may be linked to emigration.</p>
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	<a href="http://www.independent.ie/life/health-wellbeing/health-features/chlamydia-cases-rise-by-almost-a-third-31434143.html">http://www.independent.ie/life/health-wellbeing/health-features/chlamydia-cases-rise-by-almost-a-third-31434143.html</a></p>
