Sex infections continue to increase

The number of sexually transmitted infections in the UK is continuing to rise, the latest figures have shown.

The figures, released by the Health Protection Agency showed that the number of STIs diagnosed between 2004 and 2005 increased by 3%.

There was a significant increase in the number of new syphilis diagnoses, which increased by 23% from 2,278 in 2004 to 2,807 in 2005. However, this was a smaller increase than in previous years - new cases rose by 39% from 2003 to 2004.

New syphilis cases were particularly marked among women, where the increase was almost two-and-a-half times higher than that among men.

Chlamydia remained that most commonly diagnosed STI, with 109,832 new cases in 2005, a 5% increase on the previous year. The highest rates of infection and highest increases in diagnoses were seen for both sexes in the 16 to 24 age group.

Cases of genital warts and genital herpes also both increased, by 1% and 4% respectively. However, cases of gonorrhoea decreased in the same period by 13%, falling from 22,350 in 2004 to 19, 495 in 2005.

Professor Peter Borriello, Director of the Centre for Infections, said that the figures contained "mixed news". He said: "The number of new cases of gonorrhoea fell by 13% from 22,350 in 2004 to 19,495 in 2005. This is particularly significant given the previous 10% fall in cases from 2003 to 2004 and with fewer cases reported across all English regions, it appears real progress is being made.

"However, it is disappointing to see that there was a further rise in new diagnoses of STIs in 2005, and these figures show there is still much to be done to tackle the continuing spread of infection. We have seen increases over the past year in new diagnoses of chlamydia, syphilis, genital warts and genital herpes.

"Today's figures show that the upward trend in STIs has continued over the past year. Some of this increase may reflect the greater availability of testing which helps detect cases which would otherwise remain undiagnosed. But the overall trend of increasing numbers shows the full extent of the challenge facing healthcare professionals as they try to limit the spread of STIs.

"Today's figures serve as a reminder for people to take responsibility for their own sexual health and that of their partners, and to use a condom with new and casual partners. Quick diagnosis is essential, so anyone who thinks they may have put themselves at risk of contracting an STI or has developed symptoms should seek advice from their GP or go to a GUM clinic as soon as possible."

(KMcA/SP)