Gonorrhoea cases have now hit the highest ever recorded in the UK, with syphilis having the most diagnoses since 1948, as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) sweep the UK.
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.
Though STIs are usually easily treated with antibiotics, many can cause serious health issues if left untreated.
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.
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."
Testing is free and can be accessed through local sexual health clinics, university and college medical centres or through self-sampling kits sent discreetly through the post.
In 2022, there were 2,195,909 sexual health screens (diagnostic tests for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis or HIV) performed by sexual health services, an increase of 13.4% compared to 2021 (1,936,455).
