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Experts have warned that more funding is needed to combat the rise in sexually transmitted diseases in the UK.
The Local Government Association reports that sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise across the country, with nearly every local area seeing an increase in the number of positive tests for certain infectious diseases per 1,000 residents.
Gonorrhea rates are soaring across England, tripling in some areas over the past seven years. Syphilis infection rates are also increasing in most regions, and about a third are seeing an increase in chlamydia.
In fact, according to the BBC, syphilis levels are at their highest in more than 75 years, and gonorrhea levels are at their highest in 100 years.
The newspaper said young people, especially gay men, bisexual men and other men who have sex with men, are most affected by rising rates of sexually transmitted infections.
Local governments provide sexual health services such as sexually transmitted disease diagnosis, treatment, and contraception, and the demand for these services is increasing over time.
Sexual health consultations have increased by a third over the past decade, and the number of diagnostic tests performed has increased by 13% from 2021 to 2022 alone.
But the Local Government Association says funding has not kept pace with this growing need.
Local authorities such as councils receive public health grants to cover the cost of services such as sexually transmitted disease testing. But when adjusted for inflation, LGA reports it has lost around £880m since 2015.
Gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia are all infections spread through sexual contact. It can usually be treated with antibiotics.
Although gonorrhea and chlamydia often have no symptoms, they can still seriously affect your health. In some cases, it may lead to infertility. Proper use of condoms and regular testing can help prevent the spread of infection.
Syphilis causes symptoms such as fever, headache, hair loss, and weight loss, as well as sores and rashes on the genitals, anus, and mouth.
Without treatment, it can affect various organ systems, including the heart, blood vessels, and brain. In some cases, it can be fatal.
Experts say urgent action is needed to keep the nation's sexual health in good condition.
Dr Claire Dewsnap, chair of HIV at the British Sexual Health Association, said local authority data showed “a very worrying trajectory of the spread of sexually transmitted diseases” and “the need for a robust national strategy, backed by adequate funding”. ”, he said.
It added: “With the demand for care increasing, our nation's ability to protect sexual health will be compromised if we do not take urgent action.”
Councilor David Fothergill, chair of the council's community wellbeing committee, said the statistics showed “local sexual health services are facing an unprecedented increase in demand”. .
He added: “The government needs to ensure that funding for sexual health is increased to levels commensurate with these significant increases.”
He said investment in sexual health services is essential to help “prevent long-term illnesses and unwanted pregnancies” and will not only improve people's health, but also reduce the nation's overburdened public health. It said it was a public health priority to reduce pressure on the system.
Dewsnap added: “Without adequate investment, users of sexual health services will face serious challenges in accessing timely professional care.”
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