Sexually transmitted infections (STI) and stigma against those inflicted are on the rise in the UK.
According to the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA), in 2023, there were over 400,000 STI diagnoses in England, a rise of nearly 5% from the previous year.
Today is STI Awareness day, which acts as a reminder of the importance of sexual health education and communication.
Trade Sexual Health is a sexual health charity that provides free confidential advice, information and services for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGB&T) community.
Christian Neckles, their Senior Health Promotion Worker, feels that STI rates could be rising due to better testing access.
Personal testing kits can be posted to your door, requiring no clinic visit, which is making it easier to test from home.
This charity is also trying to reduce stigma through open conversations.
Mr Neckles said: “I think being exposed to more information and making people feel more comfortable talking about sex and the kind of sex they like, will help a lot.
“Normalising the conversation about sex, makes it less of a taboo.”
Jo Goodman, Advanced Clinical Nurse Lead at Sexual Health Dorset, has also seen a rise in STI rates.
Speaking to Buzz News she said: “Generally STI rates are increasing, especially gonorrhea and syphilis. We have also had a recent outbreak of scabies in younger people under 25.”
Sexual Health Dorset supports Relationship and Sex Education in schools and promotes safe sex and regular testing at their clinic.
You can reduce your risk of contracting an STI by using condoms, regular testing, and trying to get tested with each new partner.
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