The “worrying trajectory” of increasing STD diagnoses in England, according to the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, is an indication that those in need of sexual health care are not receiving it.
According to data from the UK Health Security Agency, St Helens saw 330 cases of gonorrhoea in 2023.
It was the highest since local records started in 2012 and was up from 255 the previous year.
Meanwhile, there were 14 syphilis diagnoses in St Helens in 2023 – up from 11 the year before. Nationally, recorded cases of syphilis were at the highest level since 1948, while gonorrhoea reached the highest number since records began in 1918. Professor Matt Phillips, president of BASHH, said: “We find ourselves at a critical point for securing the viability of sexual health services.
“The concerning trend of newly diagnosed STIs indicates a rise in unmet requirements for those in need of sexual health care, especially those from marginalised populations and those who might prefer in-person services.
“It underlines the need for a long-awaited and much-needed strategy for sexual health.”
In order to enhance access to sexual health and wellness experts, he continued, the new government had a chance to “turn the tides” and address issues with funding and recruitment.
According to the Local Government Association, which speaks for councils in charge of requesting sexual health services, the data indicate that the government ought to carry out a 10-year plan for sexual health.
In St. Helens, there were 1,297 STI diagnoses last year, an increase from 1,076 the previous year.
616 (47%) of the diagnoses from the previous year were for chlamydia.
According to Richard Angell, CEO of Terrence Higgins Trust, the data indicates a rise in STI cases and treatment demand annually.
“Sets a clear direction for improving sexual health in England” is the national policy and money that the Government must commit to, he continued.
“The best way to reduce your risk of an infection is to use a condom consistently and correctly with new or casual partners,” stated Dr. Hamish Mohammed, a consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA.
He continued: “The NHS provides free, confidential STI testing to detect any potential infections and prevent you passing them on to others.”
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