The latest data released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveals a concerning surge in cases of gonorrhoea and syphilis in England, reaching record highs not seen since the establishment of records in 1918. In 2022, the number of diagnosed cases of gonorrhoea skyrocketed to 82,592, reflecting a staggering increase of 50.3% compared to the previous year, marking the highest figure recorded in a single year. Similarly, syphilis diagnoses climbed to 8,692, representing the largest annual number since 1948. Additionally, chlamydia diagnoses experienced a notable rise of 24.3%, jumping from 160,279 in 2021 to 199,233 in 2022. Among these cases, individuals aged 15-24 accounted for 68,882 chlamydia diagnoses.
Overall, England witnessed a substantial increase in newly detected sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with a total of 392,453 cases in the past year alone, indicating a yearly surge of almost 25%. This surge in STI cases follows the trend observed in 2021 when numbers rebounded after a decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was primarily attributed to lockdown measures implemented throughout much of 2020.
The UKHSA emphasizes that individuals aged 15 to 24 are the most vulnerable to STIs. Therefore, they strongly encourage those engaging in sexual activity with new or casual partners to consistently use condoms and undergo regular testing. Dr. Hamish Mohammed, a consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, “We observed an unprecedented number of gonorrhoea diagnoses in 2022, particularly among young people. STIs are not merely inconveniences; they can significantly impact your health and the health of your sexual partners. Condoms are the most effective means of protection, but if you had unprotected sex with a new or casual partner recently, it is crucial to get tested promptly to detect any potential infections early and prevent their transmission to others. Testing is essential because STIs can often be asymptomatic.”
Further analysis of the data reveals that among individuals aged 15 to 34, approximately 45% of STI cases were among gay and bisexual men, with heterosexual men accounting for 33% and heterosexual women accounting for 22% of the cases. Health officials advise anyone engaging in sexual activity without using condoms, particularly with new or casual partners, to undergo STI and HIV testing at least once a year.
Gay and bisexual men, in particular, are strongly advised to undergo HIV and STI testing every three months if they engage in condomless sex with new or casual partners.
While most STIs can be effectively treated with antibiotics, neglecting to seek treatment can lead to severe health complications. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea, for instance, can cause infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease, while syphilis has the potential to cause irreversible and life-threatening problems affecting the brain, heart, or nerves.
