Rising rates of infection...especially in MSM

In 2013, there were approximately 450,000 diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) made in England.
The impact of STIs remains greatest in young heterosexuals under the age of 25 years and in men who have sex with men (MSM).
The most commonly diagnosed STI was chlamydia, with 208,755 diagnoses made in 2013
The number of gonorrhoea diagnoses increased by 15% between 2012 and 2013.
Large increases in STI diagnoses were seen in MSM, including a 26% increase in gonorrhoea diagnoses. Although partly due to increased testing in this population, ongoing high levels of unsafe sexual behaviour probably contributed to this rise.
During the year, over 1.7 million chlamydia tests were carried out in England among young people aged 15 to 24 years old, with over 139,000 chlamydia diagnoses made.
Thirty percent of Upper Tier Local Authorities (UTLAs) achieved a chlamydia diagnosis rate of at least 2,300 per 100,000 among 15 to 24 year olds, the recommended level for this Public Health Outcome Framework (PHOF) indicator. There was a strong relationship between chlamydia testing coverage and chlamydia diagnosis rates in UTLAs.

Prevention efforts, such as greater STI screening coverage and easier access to sexual health services, should be sustained and continue to focus on groups at highest– risk.
Individuals can significantly reduce their risk of catching or passing on an STI by:
- Consistently and correctly using condoms until all partners have had a sexual health screen.
- If in one of the highest risk groups, getting screened regularly will lead to early identification and treatment, as these infections are frequently asymptomatic:
  1. Sexually active under 25 year olds should be screened for chlamydia every year, and on change of sexual partner.
  2. MSM should have an HIV/STI screen at least annually or every three months if having unprotected sex with new or casual partners.
  3. Black African men and women should also have an HIV test and a regular HIV/STI screen if having unprotected sex with new or casual partners.
Reducing the number of sexual partners and avoiding overlapping sexual relationships.

Rising rates of infection…especially in MSM