Lakes DHB had the highest rate of confirmed chlamydia cases in New Zealand in 2014.

It's a regional title nobody wants.

Lakes District Health Board - which encompasses Rotorua, Taupo and surrounding areas - has the highest rate of chlamydia of any DHB in New Zealand.

Figures collated by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research show Lakes DHB had 1182 laboratory-confirmed cases of chlamydia in 2014, equivalent to 1144 cases per 100,000 people.

That put them one case per 100,000 ahead of Tairawhiti (Gisborne and surrounding areas), which had 538 cases, equivalent to 1143 cases per 100,000 people.

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However, Tairawhiti had by far the worst rate of gonorrhoea infections of any DHB, with 149 cases in 2014, equivalent to 316 per 100,000.

This was down on 398 per 100,000 in 2013 but still significantly higher than Lakes with the second worst rate of 128.

The lowest rates of chlamydia were in the West Coast (331 per 100,000 people) and Taranaki (451), which had the lowest rate of gonorrhoea.

STIs ACROSS AGE GROUPS

Nationally gonorrhoea was most prevalent amongst 15-19 year olds, with 298 cases recorded per 100,000 people in 2014.

While Chlamydia was most prevalent in the 20-24 year old age group, with 3076 cases per 100,000 people.

Things that can lead to a higher chance of getting an STI:

* Multiple or frequent change of sexual contacts

* Absent or inconsistent use of condoms

* Early onset of sexual activity

* Misuse of alcohol or drugs.

For advice or more information, visit http://www.familyplanning.org.nz