P.E.I Chief Health Officer Heather Morrison. (CBC)

Rates of sexually transmitted infections are on the rise on P.E.I., and Islanders are being reminded to use safer sex practices by the Department of Health and Wellness.

“Over the past few years, Canada has seen an increase in the number of confirmed cases of sexually transmitted infections and Prince Edward Island is no exception,” said Dr. Heather Morrison, P.E.I.’s Chief Public Health Officer.

“It is important that Islanders are aware of the issue and take appropriate measures to protect themselves and others from contracting and spreading sexually transmitted infections,” she said in a news release.

Chlamydia is the most common STI in the province – there were 224 lab-confirmed cases in 2011.

Chlamydia is sometimes called a silent disease, because patients can be symptom-free until serious complications result. Those symptoms include chronic abdominal pain and infertility.

There are other STIs on the rise.

Cases of gonorrhea have increased on P.E.I. in the past year, compared to the past 20 years, according to the department.

In the past 12 months there have been 15 lab-confirmed cases.

Syphilis cases have also been on the rise with 12 lab-confirmed cases in the past two years.

Like Chlamydia, many STIs have no symptoms and if left untreated, can affect the general health and reproductive capacity of those infected.

The department said many STIs, including gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia are easily treated.

Morrison said condoms used correctly and consistently are an effective way to decrease the chances of catching an STI.

“Islanders need to make informed decisions regarding their sexual relationships,” said Morrison. “If you are sexually active, talk to your health care provider about getting tested, and then get appropriate treatment and follow-up recommendations.”