Sexually transmitted infections are sweeping the UK as cases for certain STIs have reached their highest levels in more than 70 years.
Gonorrhoea cases have now hit record levels in the UK, with syphilis having the most diagnoses since just after the Second World War in 1948.
A stark warning has been issued by the government as the latest data reveals there were more than 400 new STIs diagnosed every day in 2022.
STIs are usually easily treated with antibiotics, but many can cause serious health issues if left untreated. Often symptoms are mild and can go unnoticed for months or years.
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease, while syphilis can cause serious, irreversible and potentially life-threatening problems with your brain, heart, or nerves.
Stats released this morning for 2022 showed gonorrhoea diagnoses are the highest since records began in 1918.
There were 82,592 diagnoses, an increase of 50.3% compared with 2021 (54,961), and 16.1% compared with 2019 (prior to the Covid-19 pandemic).
Infectious syphilis diagnoses increased to 8,692 in 2022, up 15.2% compared with 2021 (7,543) and 8.1% compared to 2019, which is the largest annual number since 1948.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is reminding everyone having sex with new or casual partners to wear a condom and get tested regularly – whatever their age or sexual orientation.
What are the symptoms of syphilis?
According to the NHS, symptoms of syphilis are often mild and hard to notice. They tend to change over time and may come and go.
- small sores (ulcers) on your penis, vagina, or around your bottom (anus) – these are usually painless and you may only have one of them
- sores in other areas, including in your mouth or on your lips, hands or bottom
- white or grey warty growths most commonly on your penis, vagina or around your anus
- a rash on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet that can sometimes spread all over your body – this is not usually itchy
- white patches in your mouth
- flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, headaches and tiredness
- swollen glands
- patchy hair loss on the head, beard and eyebrows
What are the symptoms of gonorrhoea?
According to NHS Inform, Many people with gonorrhoea will not notice any symptoms.
If symptoms do appear, they usually show up between 1 to 14 days after coming into contact with the infection.
Symptoms of gonorrrhoea may include:
- green or yellow fluid coming out of the penis
- pain or a burning sensation when peeing
- discomfort and swelling of the testicles
- increased discharge from the vagina
- pain in the lower tummy, particularly during sex
- bleeding in between periods or after sex
Gonorrhoea can also infect the throat, anus or eyes. You may experience pain or discharge in these areas if there is an infection. Gonorrhoea in the throat usually has no symptoms.
“We saw more gonorrhoea diagnoses in 2022 than ever before, with large rises, particularly in young people,” said Dr Hamish Mohammed, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA.
“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.”
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