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STIs soaring in gay men - warning | STIs soaring in gay men - warning |
(about 2 hours later) | |
The number of sexually transmitted infections being spread in gay men is soaring, according to Public Health England. | The number of sexually transmitted infections being spread in gay men is soaring, according to Public Health England. |
Figures for 2014 showed a 46% increase in syphilis infections, 32% in gonorrhoea and 26% in chlamydia. | Figures for 2014 showed a 46% increase in syphilis infections, 32% in gonorrhoea and 26% in chlamydia. |
The report said there were "high levels of condomless sex" in general and "rapid" transmission of infections in HIV-positive men. | The report said there were "high levels of condomless sex" in general and "rapid" transmission of infections in HIV-positive men. |
Public Health England recommends regular STI testing. | Public Health England recommends regular STI testing. |
Across all groups in England, the number of sexually transmitted infections fell by 0.3% from the previous year, to 439,243 new cases. | Across all groups in England, the number of sexually transmitted infections fell by 0.3% from the previous year, to 439,243 new cases. |
Chlamydia was the most common STI, accounting for nearly half of all diagnoses. | Chlamydia was the most common STI, accounting for nearly half of all diagnoses. |
But there is a very different picture in men who have sex with men: | But there is a very different picture in men who have sex with men: |
Gonorrhoea is one of the biggest worries because of the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains of the infection, which are very hard to treat. | Gonorrhoea is one of the biggest worries because of the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains of the infection, which are very hard to treat. |
Dr Gwenda Hughes, the head of STI surveillance at Public Health England, said: "The stats published today show that too many people are getting STIs, reducing this spread must be a public health priority. | Dr Gwenda Hughes, the head of STI surveillance at Public Health England, said: "The stats published today show that too many people are getting STIs, reducing this spread must be a public health priority. |
"We are particularly concerned about the large rises in diagnoses among gay men." | "We are particularly concerned about the large rises in diagnoses among gay men." |
The report said high levels of sex without a condom "probably account for most of this rise", but it also drew attention to the rapid spread of infections "in dense sexual networks of HIV-positive men who have sex with men". | The report said high levels of sex without a condom "probably account for most of this rise", but it also drew attention to the rapid spread of infections "in dense sexual networks of HIV-positive men who have sex with men". |
Dr Hughes added: "Health promotion and education to increase risk awareness and encourage safer sexual behaviour remain the cornerstones of STI prevention. | Dr Hughes added: "Health promotion and education to increase risk awareness and encourage safer sexual behaviour remain the cornerstones of STI prevention. |
"Ensuring easy access to sexual health services and STI screening is a vital component in the control of STIs." | "Ensuring easy access to sexual health services and STI screening is a vital component in the control of STIs." |
Gay men are advised to have HIV and STI testing every year, or every three months if they have sex without a condom or with casual partners. | Gay men are advised to have HIV and STI testing every year, or every three months if they have sex without a condom or with casual partners. |
Public Health England adds that all sexually active under-25-year-olds should have a chlamydia test each year and whenever they have a new sexual partner. | Public Health England adds that all sexually active under-25-year-olds should have a chlamydia test each year and whenever they have a new sexual partner. |
Dr Michael Brady, the medical director of the Terrence Higgins Trust, said: "The continued rise in both syphilis and gonorrhoea is a worry and evidence that we still have much to do to address the nation's poor sexual health and rates of STIs in those most at risk. | |
"We should make better use of new technologies and approaches - local awareness raising through targeted social media based on the geographical breakdown of the data we are seeing today and an offer online testing - to reach those who are not accessing 'traditional' services" |
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