— Aurelia Foster, Health Reporter
A record number of gonorrhea cases were reported in England last year, according to annual figures from the UK Health Security Agency. Diagnoses increased by 7.5%, rising from 79,268 in 2022 to 85,223 in 2023. Syphilis cases also surged, up 9.4% from 8,693 to 9,513—the highest level since 1948—with more heterosexual men and women becoming infected. Both infections have more than doubled over the past decade.
Overall, sexually transmitted infection diagnoses, including various STIs, rose by 4.7%. This increase may partly stem from an 8.3% rise in STI screenings, which were up 4.6% compared to 2019. The demographic most affected includes 15-24-year-olds, men who have sex with men, and black Caribbean individuals.
The UKSHA emphasized that using condoms consistently and correctly with new or casual partners is the best way to prevent STIs. Dr. Hamish Mohammed, a consultant epidemiologist, highlighted the serious health implications of STIs, which can lead to lifelong complications if untreated.
The British Association of Sexual Health and HIV expressed concern over the rising STI rates, indicating pressure on sexual health services and calling for a new strategic approach. Prof. Matt Phillips, the association’s president, noted that the next government has a chance to address these challenges to ensure timely access to sexual health expertise.
Among the 401,800 new STI cases last year, nearly half were chlamydia, although its numbers remained stable compared to 2022 and declined since 2014. Cases of genital warts have decreased, likely due to the HPV vaccine. Free STI testing is available at GP surgeries and sexual health clinics.
