New data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows large rises in gonorrhoea and syphilis diagnoses in 2022. This follows a period of fewer diagnoses during the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021, which is – according to UKHSA – “largely driven by reduced STI testing”.
Gay and bisexual men have disproportionately higher rates of gonorrhoea and syphilis than people of other genders or sexual orientation. The 82,592 diagnoses of gonorrhoea in 2022 is the largest annual number on record; 38,923 of these diagnoses were in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GMBSM). In 2022 there were 8,692 syphilis diagnoses, the largest annual number since 1948; 6,003 of these diagnoses were in GBMSM.
The latest data on STIs in GBMSM shows:
- Gonorrhoea diagnoses increased to 38,923 in 2022, an increase of 41.3% compared to 2021 (27,545)
- Chlamydia diagnoses increased to 19,129 in 2022, a 25.3% increase compared to 2021 (15,267)
- Infectious syphilis diagnoses increased to 6,003 in 2022, up 12.9% compared to 2021 (5,316)
- There was an increase of shigellosis and recent outbreaks in 2022 of drug resistant Shigella.
UKHSA is reminding everyone having sex with new or casual partners to wear a condom and get tested regularly – whatever their gender or sexual orientation. Testing is free and confidential, and you should get tested even if you are not showing any symptoms.
Though STIs are usually easily treated, many can cause serious health issues if left untreated. Syphilis can cause serious, irreversible and potentially life-threatening problems with your brain, heart, or nerves. There are many different ways you can access testing, either in a physical clinic or online. If testing online, your test comes through the post in discreet packaging, is free and can be ordered online on websites such as https://www.sh.uk/, https://www.shl.uk/, or https://sh24.org.uk/..
Dr Hamish Mohammed, Consultant Epidemiologist in the STI Section at UKHSA, said: “We saw more gonorrhoea diagnoses in 2022 than ever before, with large rises in gay and bisexual men. 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.
“PrEP only provides protection from HIV, so you still need a condom to avoid getting or passing on an STI such as syphilis or gonorrhoea.”
