Londoners have the highest numbers of sexually transmitted infections in England

15 July 2008

Nationally there has been a 6% increase in the number of STIs with London following the same trend. In 2007 there were 96,223 new STIs diagnosed in London compared to 89,704 in 2006 which is a rise of 7%. 

The figures have been released to coincide with the Agency’s new report ‘Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and Young People in the UK 2008’. In London the number of new diagnoses of syphilis rose 18%, genital herpes by 17% and Chlamydia by 10%. Young Londoners aged 16-24 years are those most affected by STIs and over half of all new Chlamydia diagnoses are in that age group.

Dr Helen Maguire, consultant in sexual health at HPA London region, said:

“The number of STIs diagnosed in Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinics in London has been high for some time, even so, substantial amounts of young people, in particular, remain undiagnosed, untreated and unaware of the risk they pose both to their own health and that of their partner. 

“Part of the rise in Chlamydia can be explained by the fact that more people are being screened for Chlamydia and going to GUM clinics for check ups after unprotected sex. This means more people and their sexual contacts are being diagnosed and treated.

“If you are sexually active the only way to stop yourself from getting an STI is to wear a condom - it only takes one occasion of being unprotected to become infected with an STI.

“It is crucial that, whatever your age, you practise safe sex by using a condom with new partners, and ensuring you go to your nearest sexual health clinic or GP if you think you may have put yourself at risk by having unprotected sex with a new partner.”

In London in 2007, 2068 gay men were diagnosed with gonorrhoea infections with young gay men aged 16-24 years accounting for 19% which is 395 of these new diagnoses. 

Dr Maguire added: “If you are a man who has sex with men, then always use a condom with new partners and have an annual sexual health screen, including an HIV test.”

-Ends-

Notes to editors:

1. For further information on the Agency’s latest sexual health figures and to download a copy of “Sexually Transmitted Infections and Young People in the United Kingdom: 2008 Report” visit http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&Page&HPAwebAutoListName/Page/1191942172118?p=1191942172118

2. The figures are statistical returns (KC60) based on diagnoses made at all genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics in London.

3. Selected STI new diagnoses in London 2006 and 2007

All new STIs include the following infections: Chlamydial infection, gonorrhoea, syphilis, genital herpes, genital warts, new HIV diagnosis, non-specific genital infection, scabies, chancroid/ lymphogranuloma venerum (LGV)/Donovanosis, molluscum contagiosum, trichomoniasis and pediculus pubis

4. Media enquiries to Claire Kennedy, Health Protection Agency, London region press office on 020 7759 2834 or email Claire.kennedy@hpa.org.uk or Emily Collins 0207 759 2824 emily.collins@hpa.org.uk

Last reviewed: 25 May 2010