While the reports of increases in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have poured in over recent years, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report last week showing the most cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis ever.
However, contrary to the plethora of reports worldwide of increases, Public Health England released a new report showing that new cases of gonorrhea in Londoners dropped by 19% in 2016 compared with figures from 2015.
Gonorrhea had been increasing year-on-year in the capital since 2009, and this reduction may be an encouraging sign that Londoners are getting tested for STIs more frequently and are practicing safe sex by using condoms.
Overall sexually transmitted infections (STIs) fell by 5% in London last year with decreases seen among most of the 5 major STIs. New cases of genital warts fell by 5% and cases of genital herpes dropped by 2%. But the data also comes with a note of caution as the number of syphilis diagnoses reported rose by 2% in 2016, double the number reported in 2012. Cases of chlamydia meanwhile, the most common STI, increased by 1%.
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STIs remain an important public health problem in London, with the capital having the highest rate of new diagnoses in England, 79% higher than any other part of the country. Of the top 20 local authorities in England with the highest rates of new STI diagnoses, 17 were in London.
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Overall in 2016, there were 117,600 new STIs diagnosed in London residents compared with more than 123,800 diagnosed in 2015.
Dr Yvonne Doyle, Regional Director for PHE London, said:
London has turned the tide on an 8 year surge of gonorrhoea with overall rates of STIs decreasing.
This encouraging news could show that work to promote frequent testing together with safe sex practices is paying off. This means people are using condoms and are regularly being tested.
However, the data comes with a note of caution. Poor sexual health remains a public health problem in London and STIs are still too high compared to other parts of the country, with rates of syphilis and chlamydia actually increasing.
Tackling poor sexual health remains high on the agenda for PHE London and we will continue to work with our partners to deliver effective public health interventions to improve sexual health outcomes across the capital.
To reduce the number of STIs, it is important that Londoners are familiar with PHE’s recommendations for safe sexual health. These include getting tested every year and when changing sexual partner, as well as getting re-tested after a positive chlamydia diagnosis (within 3 months of the diagnosis).
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