This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Gonorrhoea and syphilis reach record levels
According to statistics, in 2022, gonorrhoea diagnoses were the highest on record and syphilis diagnoses were the highest since 1948.
The data published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) found that gonorrhoea diagnoses increased to 82,592 in 2022, an increase of 50.3 per cent compared to 2021 (54,961) and 16.1 per cent compared to 2019. This is the highest number of gonorrhoea diagnoses since records began in 1918.
The data also shows that infectious syphilis diagnoses increased to 8,692 in 2022, up 15.2% compared to 2021 (7,543) and 8.1% compared to 2019.
According to the figures, people aged 15 to 24 years are the most likely to be diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
UKHSA is urging those having sex with new or casual partners to wear a condom and get tested regularly, regardless of age or sexual orientation. People are reminded that testing is free and confidential.
Gonorrhoea can cause infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease, and syphilis can cause serious, irreversible and potentially life-threatening brain, heart, or nerve problems.
UKHSA reports that while the increase in diagnoses is in part due to an increase in testing, the scale of the increase strongly suggests that there is more transmission of STIs within the population.
Dr Hamish Mohammed, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: "We saw more gonorrhoea diagnoses in 2022 than ever before, with large rises particularly in young people. STIs aren’t just an inconvenience – they can have a major impact on your health and that of any sexual partners. Condoms are the best defence, but if you didn’t use one the last time you had sex with a new or casual partner, get tested to detect any potential infections early and prevent passing them on to others. Testing is important because you may not have any symptoms of an STI."
Image by Christos Giakkas from Pixabay
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