The Genito-urinary Medicine (GUM) statistics, which record the number of STIs diagnosed in Scottish GUM clinics, show that 22,906 acute STIs were diagnosed in 2007, compared with 10,919 in 1996.

New acute STIs remain more prevalent in men, with a higher number of diagnoses of syphilis, gonorrhoea, genital warts, NSGI (non-specific genital infection), non-chlamydial, and HIV recorded among men than women. However, a higher number of diagnoses of Chlamydia, genital herpes and trichomoniasis were recorded among women.

The figures also show that trends in younger people’s sexual health give cause for concern, as four out of every five new diagnoses of Chlamydia among women were in the 15-24 age group, while 71 per cent of new diagnoses among men were in the 20-34 age group.

Public Health Minister Shona Robison said the statistics were “disappointing.”

She said: "It is disappointing to see rising rates of STIs, and although there are small signs of improvement in increased awareness and testing, this is not yet enough.

"Last month I announced a new Chlamydia testing and treatment programme that will be available later this year free of charge in community pharmacies around Scotland.

"This will help make an important contribution to improving sexual health, but it's vital that young people take advantage of these free local services.”

However, as other figures published today show that the three year attendance figures for breast screening are at an “all-time high”, Robison said: “…we want to create the same levels of awareness in young people about STI testing, treatment and - perhaps most importantly - prevention.

"The Scottish Government, health boards, clinicians and many other people can all help achieve this, but young people themselves have a big part to play."

The Breast Screening Programme statistics, which were also published today by ISD Scotland, found that over 166,000 women of all ages were screened within the programme in 2006/07, with 1,395 cases of cancer diagnosed.

Robison said the figures were “heartening” but called on more young people to take this on board and take advantage of the testing and treatment available to protect their own sexual health.

She said: "Screening programmes are a vital part of maintaining public health. But their success depends on people coming forward and taking up the invitation to be screened, so it's extremely encouraging to see three-year attendance figures are at an all-time high of 76.5 per cent.

"However, these figures can go higher, but it is heartening to see women over 50 are taking care of their health. Younger people now need to take this on board too, and to take advantage of the testing and treatment available to protect their own sexual health."

More detailed findings on the GUM data and other areas of sexual health will be published in the annual Scottish Sexual Health Information report on 25 November 2008. For more information visit the ISD Scotland website.

 The Breast Screening Programme statistics for 2006-07 can be viewed here.