New STI figures released by Public Health England

Latest figures published by Public Health England (PHE) show there were 439,243 sexually transmitted infections (STIs) reported in England in 2014.

The impact of STIs remains greatest in young people under the age of 25 years and gay men (gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men).

Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed STI accounting for 47% of diagnoses (206,774 cases), followed by genital warts (70,612 cases). However, the largest proportional increases in diagnoses between 2013 and 2014 were reported for syphilis (33% increase) and gonorrhoea (19% increase). 

Health promotion and education remain the cornerstones of STI prevention

Dr Gwenda Hughes, head of STI surveillance at PHE, said, “The stats published today show that too many people are getting STIs. Reducing this spread must be a public health priority.

“We are particularly concerned about the large rises in diagnoses among gay men. In this group we saw a 46% increase in syphilis and a 32% increase in gonorrhoea. Gonorrhoea in particular is becoming harder to treat as new antibiotic resistant strains emerge.

“Health promotion and education to increase risk awareness and encourage safer sexual behaviour remain the cornerstones of STI prevention. Ensuring easy access to sexual health services and STI screening is a vital component in the control of STIs. Effective commissioning is critical to improving STI prevention. Prevention work should continue to focus on people in the groups at highest risk of infection, such as young people and gay men.”

Young people are routinely offered chlamydia screening but only 14% of young men and 35% of young women were tested in 2014. Wide variation across the country was seen in rates of chlamydia testing and diagnoses – with only 29% of local authorities reaching the recommended chlamydia detection rate (2,300 diagnoses per 100,000 15 to 24 year olds per year).

PHE recommends:

• Consistent and correct condom use, reducing the number of sexual partners and the avoidance of overlapping sexual relationships all reduce the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections
• For people in the highest risk groups, getting screened regularly will lead to early diagnosis and treatment, as these infections are frequently without symptoms:
• Sexually active under 25 year olds should be screened for chlamydia every year, and on change of sexual partner.
• Men who have sex with men (MSM) should have a full HIV and STI screen at least annually or every three months if having condomless sex with new or casual partners.

For more information on sexually transmitted infections and the National Chlamydia Screening Programme data visit the PHE website.