A PHE report reveals that while overall rates of sexually transmitted infections remained stable in 2017 compared to 2016, there was a 20% increase in syphilis.



New figures from PHE show that cases of STIs have increased from 5,955 in 2016 to 7,137 in 2017.

The data show that in 2017, rates of new STI diagnoses remained stable with 422,147 new diagnoses made at sexual health services. However, trends for individual STIs varied with a decline in diagnoses of genital warts and an increase in diagnoses of gonorrhoea and syphilis. The most commonly diagnosed STIs were chlamydia, first episode genital warts, gonorrhoea and non-specific genital infections. The impact of STIs remains greatest in young heterosexuals aged 15 to 24 years, black ethnic minorities and gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM).

Dr Gwenda Hughes, Consultant Scientist and Head of Sexually Transmitted Infection Section at PHE, said:

Sexually transmitted infections pose serious consequences to health – both your own and that of your current and future sexual partners. The impact of STIs can be considerable, with some causing infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease and harm to unborn babies.

Consistent and correct condom use with new and casual partners is the best defence against STIs, and if you are at risk, regular check-ups are essential to enable early diagnosis and treatment.

There are a variety of ways PHE support sexual health services and work to reduce STI transmission in communities, including:

launching a sexual health campaign in December 2017, called Protect Against STIs, which targets 16 to 24 year olds to promote condom usage as they experience the highest STI diagnosis rates
providing local authorities with data on local service activity, including clinical attendance, testing rates, and epidemiology and an epidemiology report at the end of each year providing key information for commissioners
developing a syphilis action plan to address the increase in cases

Or try fidelity to one spouse?


(Funny how these types are now talking about "unborn babies" when only last week during Ireland's abortion jamboree they were in the business of dehumanising the same being by referring to him or her as a mere clump of cells or a foetus. Dehumanise when you want to kill; acknowledge its humanity when you want to protect.)