A BBC Radio Solent investigation has revealed that sexually transmitted infections among the over 40s have risen dramatically. In Weymouth and Portland, cases of chlamydia among the over 40s have risen by 500% in the last five years. But young people still remain most at risk from STIs, according to figures from the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. The hospital’s genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic has found that the highest rates of STIs are among 16 to 19 year olds. Of these, chlamydia is the most commonly reported. As many as 17% of patients attending Bournemouth’s GUM clinic tested positive for the infection. Chlamydia is often without symptoms but can have serious side-effects. One of these is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease which can lead to infertility in women. So has the rise in STIs led to a change in behaviour? BBC Dorset went to check out Bournemouth’s night life to find out… |