Cases of gonorrhoea have more than doubled as sexually transmitted infection (STIs) figures have surpassed pre-pandemic levels across Liverpool.
New data released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have shown the number of STIs diagnosed in the city rose from 4,773 in 2021 to 7,337 in 2022 – higher than pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, cases of gonorrhoea have more than doubled – up from 708 cases to 1,511 in the latest data.
Public health officials in Liverpool are now urging residents to get tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections - and to use a condom.
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The figures also showed an increase in chlamydia detection rates among 15–24-year-olds, putting them considerably above the England average. Nationally, there has been a 23.8% increase in the number of new diagnoses of STIs over the same period.
The number of gonorrhoea diagnoses is at the highest level since 1918, while syphilis cases are at a level not seen since 1948. Public Health Liverpool said the data highlights the need to test regularly and practise safe sex by wearing a condom to prevent onward transmission of STIs.
Professor Matthew Ashton, director of public health for Liverpool, said: “A healthy sex life is important to many of us, so I would encourage people to look after themselves by testing regularly. We have seen more gonorrhoea diagnoses nationally than ever before, and local numbers are also high.
“Liverpool has a really good suite of sexual health services in place, including online testing, alongside walk-in and face-to-face options – with a clear website that provides some excellent information to help residents navigate all provision city-wide. Condoms are the best defence against STIs and there are a host of places where people can access these across the city.
“Axess Sexual Health is also very effective at partner tracing, providing follow-up treatment for positive partners to reduce onward spread of infection, which is crucial in this situation.”
Everyone who has sex with new or casual partners, without using a condom, is at risk of catching an STI. As in previous years, the highest rates of STI diagnoses nationally were seen in gay, bisexual and other men-who-have-sex-with-men (GBMSM); young people aged 15 to 24 years and people of Black ethnicity.
Cllr Harry Doyle, cabinet member for culture and health, said: “Our local figures mirror the national increases in STIs and show that we must remain vigilant and encourage regular testing, regardless of whether we feel we have good sexual health or not. I want to remind people about our local testing offer and the excellent services and support available.
“If people are worried about STIs there are different ways to access the help they need quickly and confidentially. Ignoring STIs can lead to long-term health problems, such as infertility, and so the sooner people know, the sooner they can start treatment.”
James Woolgar, Liverpool advanced public health practitioner (Sexual Health) and chair of the English HIV and sexual health commissioners’ group (EHSHCG), added: “We want to destigmatise sexual and reproductive health care, build a sexual health culture that prioritises prevention and supports behaviour change. We also want to empower our residents to look after their own sexual health and wellbeing.”
“The increase in chlamydia detection rates suggests we have a well targeted and easy to access local testing offer and we would encourage as many young people as possible to screen, get treated and think about their sexual health.”
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