New numbers suggest the message about the importance of safe sex may not be getting through to students.

University of British Columbia health officials have observed a disturbing increase in sexually transmitted infections.

"We're seeing an increase in the number of Chlamydia cases, and human papilloma virus (HPV) cases are a good example as well," Dr. Patricia Mirwaldt, director of UBC Student Health Services, told CTV News.

Over the past 10 years, the number of Chlamydia cases in B.C. has more than doubled from 4,000 in 1997 to a staggering 9,000 last year, according to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.

Most alarming is the fact that the greatest increase occurred in 15 to 24-year-old women, an age group in which, if left untreated, the disease could result in life-long infertility.

The highest rates of gonorrhea were found in men aged 20 to 29. "We have a lot of students coming in and asking to be tested to see whether they have STIs," said Mirwaldt.

'Condom fatigue'

The increase has health professionals calling the phenomenon a hidden epidemic, and leaves them wondering if the rise is partly due to "condom fatigue".

According to UBC, one way to encourage safe sex is to give out free condoms. With a donation of 25,000 contraceptives by manufacturer Trojan, the university will distribute them at its residences and student health sciences clinic.

It's hoped that easy access will make the decision to use them easier for students.

"(We) certainly want to make sure anyone who has interest will be able to access condoms," said Mirwaldt. "Access to condoms shouldn't be a barrier."

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Dr. Rhonda Low