England has seen a significant increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as reported by the UK Health Security Agency. The statistics showed that the country had a record number of gonorrhoea cases and the highest level of syphilis in the last few decades. The figures have highlighted the need for effective sexual health practices to prevent the spread of these illnesses.
The number of gonorrhoea diagnoses in England in 2022 increased to 82,592, which is reported to be the highest annual number since records began, and a yearly increase of 50%. Infectious syphilis diagnoses increased by 15% to 8,692 – the highest number since 1948. The STI rate has risen by 25%, with 392,453 new STIs among residents in the country compared to the previous year, which followed a drop-off during 2020 due to lockdowns imposed by the Covid pandemic.
The steep rise in STIs has been most pronounced among young people aged 15 to 24. They accounted for the highest proportion of the reported cases. Although gonorrhoea is spreading fast among all age groups, it’s mostly pervasive among the above cohort, as reported by the UKHSA. Infectious syphilis was found among heterosexual people as well as gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, indicating the need for regular testing and good sexual health practices.
While the authorities have noted that lower numbers of consultations, sexual health screens, and STI diagnoses in 2020 and 2021 need factoring in, the surge in STIs remains a grave concern. UKHSA is stressing the importance of advocating the use of condoms as the best defence against these infections, and regular testing.
The UK Health Security Agency’s consultant epidemiologist, Hamish Mohammed, has emphasized that “STIs aren’t just an inconvenience – they can have a major impact on your health and that of any sexual partners.”
The steady rise in STIs reinforces the need to be mindful of safe sexual practices and to actively take preventive measures to stop the spread of infections.
