The number of people diagnosed with gonorrhoea in England in 2023 was its highest since records began in 1918, rising by 7.5% from 2022. STI diagnoses overall increased by 4.7%, with the most impacted groups being aged 15-24, GBMSM, and Black Caribbean individuals.
Cases of gonorrhoea among GBMSM increased by 9.4%, chlamydia by 8.2%, and infectious syphilis by 7.3% in 2023. Genital herpes and warts also saw significant rises, partly attributed to increased sexual health screenings.
The UK Health Security Agency noted that while the increased STI diagnoses in 2023 could partially be due to more people undergoing screenings, it also reflects high levels of transmission in the community.
Sexually transmitted infections are straining sexual health services in the UK, with over 75% of council areas reporting spikes in gonorrhoea and syphilis since 2017. Services are described as being 'at breaking point' due to unprecedented demand.
Collection
[
|
...
]