There is a very real danger of catching a sexually transmitted
infection (STI) if having condomless
sex this freshers’ week, the UK Health Security Agency
(UKHSA) is
warning, as cases of gonorrhoea remain at record levels.
UKHSA is urging
all those heading to university to use a condom with any new or
casual partners, and to get tested regularly, after gonorrhoea diagnoses
rocketed to 82,592 in 2022. This is an increase of more than
50% compared to 2021.
Young people aged 15 to 24 years remain the most likely to be
diagnosed with STIs. Last year there
were over 400 diagnoses of STIs every day in this
age group.
Though STIs
are usually easily treated with antibiotics, many can cause
serious health issues if left untreated. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea
can cause infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease
(PID), while
syphilis can cause serious, irreversible and potentially
life-threatening problems with your brain, heart, or nerves.
Many people do not show symptoms which means people often pass on
STIswithout
realising it. Regular testing for STIs and HIV is essential – everyone
should have an STI screen, including an
HIV test, at
least once a year if having condomless sex with new or casual
partners.
Dr Katy Sinka, Head of Sexually Transmitted Infections at
UKHSA, said:
Starting university can be an exciting time. But it is very
important to be aware of the risks of catching STIs from condomless
sex. STIs
can have serious consequences and there are very high numbers of
STIs at the
moment – but there are some easy steps you can take to reduce
your risk of infection.
Condoms are the best defence against STIs. If you didn’t use
one the last time you had sex with a new or casual partner please
do get tested even if you are not showing any symptoms, it’s free
and confidential.
If you’re a student going to university for the first time or
returning for a new year, it’s a good idea to get tested before
you start having sex with a new or casual partner.
Laura Domegan, Head of Nursing at Brook, the sexual health and
wellbeing charity, said:
The STI stats
speak for themselves. It’s never been more important to think
about condoms and testing. Condoms are the only method that
protect us from STIs so make sure you
have some handy and know where to get more.
Brook’s website will help you find where to access free
condoms. And if you or your partner don’t like wearing
condoms, remember they are available in different shapes, sizes,
textures, colours and flavours which can make sex more fun.
And if you have unprotected sex, don’t worry, get tested. Anyone
can get an STI, it doesn’t matter
how many times you’ve had sex or what type of sex you’re having.
STIs don’t
always have symptoms, so don’t wait for them.
Most areas have a home testing option so you can order a kit online to be
posted to you. It’s that easy.
While the increase in gonorrhoea diagnoses will in part be due to
increases in testing, the scale of the increase in diagnoses
strongly suggests that there is more transmission of STIs within the
population.
Gonorrhoea is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics and
at risk of becoming untreatable in the future, making it vital
that people test early and diagnose the infection so that they
can prevent passing it on.
Many sexual health services in England now offer free
STI
self-sampling kits for people who aren’t showing any symptoms or
signs of an STI and would prefer a
routine check-up in the comfort and privacy of their own home.
If you notice any unusual symptoms, make sure to contact
your local sexual health service and get tested.
