STI diagnoses in England have hit record highs, UKHSA reveals

According to findings from the UK’s Health Security Agency (UKHSA) the number of gonorrhoea and syphilis diagnosis was the highest on record last year. 

The annual figures, which have been announced today, display gonorrhoea diagnoses increased to 82,592 in 2022, an increase of 50.3% compared with 2021. Additionally, data details that syphilis diagnoses increased to 8,692 in 2022, the largest number since records began in 1918. 

Reasons behind the surge have been speculated to come after people were allowed out of lockdown in 2021 and began socialising again.

Following this, people aged between 15 and 24-years-old are the most likely to be diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) due to changing sexual partners more often than other age groups.

Dr Hamish Mohammed, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: ‘We saw more gonorrhoea diagnoses in 2022 than ever before, with large rises, particularly in young people. STIs aren’t just an inconvenience – they can have a major impact on your health and that of any sexual partners.

‘Condoms are the best defence, but if you didn’t use one the last time you had sex with a new or casual partner, get tested to detect any potential infections early and prevent passing them on to others. Testing is important because you may not have any symptoms of an STI.’

After the news has been released the UKHSA are now urging people to use condoms and get tested regularly if they are changing their sexual partner.

Although STIs are often treated with antibiotics, some can cause serious health issues including infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease. Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is usually caught by having sex with someone who is already infected – it can be treated with antibiotics, but if left untreated it can be fatal.

Image: Dainis Graveris