New sexually transmitted infection figures show continued increases among gay men and sustained high rates in young people.
Latest figures published today from Public Health England (PHE) show there were 434,456 sexually transmitted infections (STIs) reported in England in 2015; 54,275 of which were among gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men, a 10% increase since 2014.
Chlamydia was the most commonly diagnosed STI accounting for 46% of diagnoses (200,288 cases), followed by genital warts (68,310 cases).
The 2015 statistics represent a small decrease (3%) when compared to 2014 which is primarily due to falls in diagnoses for chlamydia (4%) and genital warts (7%).
However, in the same period there were large increases in diagnoses of gonorrhoea (11%) and syphilis (20%) continuing the rising trends in these infections of the past 5 years. These rises have occurred mostly in gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men.
The impact of STIs remains greatest in young people under the age of 25 years and gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.
The large fall in genital warts seen this year in young women is an expected positive effect of the national HPV vaccination programme.
Dr Gwenda Hughes, head of STI surveillance at PHE, said: “The new statistics show STI rates are still very high among gay men and young adults.
“We need to do more to raise awareness about STIs and how they can be prevented, especially the effectiveness of using condoms. We recommend that anyone having sex with a new or casual partner uses condoms and tests regularly for HIV and STIs. It is also vital to ensure there is easy access to STI testing and treatment services that meet the needs of local populations.”
Young people are routinely offered chlamydia screening but only 13% of young men and 32% of young women were tested in 2015.
The decrease in chlamydia diagnoses in 2015 is mainly due to a reduction in testing despite national recommendations advising young people to get tested every year or on changing partners.
PHE recommendations include:
♦ Prevention should focus on groups at highest risk, including young adults, MSM and black ethnic minorities
♦ Consistent and correct use of condoms can significantly reduce risk of infection
♦ Rapid access to treatment and notifying any partners who may be affected can reduce the spread of infection
Regular testing for HIV and STIs is essential for good sexual health:
♦ Anyone under 25 who is sexually active should be screened for chlamydia annually, and on change of sexual partner
♦ MSM should test annually for HIV and STIs and every 3 months if having condomless sex with new or casual partners
For more information on sexually transmitted infections, CLICK HERE:
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