ONE IN nine people in the UK have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) a figure spread evenly between men and women. But despite similar risks across the sexes, the numbers of men visiting sexual health clinics is disproportionately low.

Sexual health services in Lewisham, for example, have seen this divide first hand and state just one in 10 of their clients are male a trend reflected in many clinics across the south east.

In an attempt to attract more men, some primary care trusts have launched drop-in clinics just for men in addition to those open to both sexes in a bid to educate them about sexual health and STI's.

The most common STI is chlamydia. Between 1995 and 2004, there was a 222 per cent increase in the infection and in 2003 there were 40,000 cases diagnosed in men. At least 50 per cent had no symptoms.

Men with chlamydia may suffer from pain when they urinate and see white liquid on the end of the penis. Chlamydia can also infect the testicles and make them swollen and painful. It is easily and effectively treated by antibiotics but if left it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease which can cause infertility in men and women.

A virus which cannot be cured so easily is genital herpes. This causes blisters, pain around the penis, testicles or anus, discomfort urinating and flu-like symptoms. Antibiotics can help but symptoms can come back as the virus stays in the body and cannot be cured.

Another incurable STI is HIV.

An estimated 58,300 adults were living with HIV in the UK in 2004 34 per cent were unaware of this.

Up until 1998, homosexual and bisexual men were the main category for new HIV cases. However, in 1999 heterosexually-acquired HIV became the largest category and has continued to be so since. There is no cure for HIV. However, there are treatment for illnesses it causes.

The one thing these conditions have in common is they all can be prevented if a condom is used.

Another way to prevent infection is through check-ups. The NHS advises men to visit a sexual health clinic once every three months. Initiatives such as the National Chlamydia Screening Programme also aims to control STIs through early detection and treatment.

To find a clinic, call 0800 282930 or visit ruthinking.co.uk