Author: News Desk

There’s a new report out to show that 36 per cent of new sexually transmitted diseases were attributed to one age demo.

Public Health England have warned that too many young people (15-24) are practicing unsafe sex as sexually transmitted diseases in that age group continue to sky rocket. Thirty-six per cent of new infections in 2015 were found in those aged just 15 to 24, with young Londoners at the epicentre of the sexual health crisis.

Since 2011 diagnoses of syphilis and gonorrhoea in 15 to 24 year olds in London have soared 128 per cent and 61 per cent respectively.

In 2015 those aged 15 to 24 living in the capital made up 36% of all new STI diagnoses; with gonorrhoea, chlamydia, genital warts, genital herpes and syphilis all being diagnosed.

RISES from 2011 to 2015

Syphilis: 128%

Gonorrhoea: 61%

Chlamydia: – 5%

Genital herpes: 4%

Although the number of reported STIs dropped by four per cent from 44,283 in 2011 to 42,457 this was accounted by the drop in new Chlamydia infections – which fell from 24,017 to 22,891.

Dr Yvonne Doyle, regional director for PHE London, said,

“These figures show that too many young people in London are continuing to have unsafe sex, putting themselves at unnecessary risk of contracting STIs.

“Young Londoners are one of the groups we know are at increased risk of experiencing poor sexual health, along with men who have sex with men (MSM) and black ethnic minorities.

“Young people tend to have more sexual partners and are more likely to have unsafe sex. These factors mean they are at increased risk of contracting STIs and becoming re-infected.

“Working closely with young Londoners and other at risk groups is vital to deliver effective public health interventions and improve their sexual health outcomes.”

Dr Patrick French, a sexual health specialist and genitourinary medicine consultant at The Mortimer Market Centre, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, said,

“Today’s report highlights that too many young people in London continue to be disproportionately affected by STIs.

“To reduce infections among this at-risk group access to good quality preventative, testing and treatment services is vital. They must also be welcoming and open to overcome any worries or embarrassment young age people might have about going to clinic.

“I still regularly see young people in clinic with newly diagnosed STIs, who struggled to find the right service for testing and treatment. Developing and strengthening easily accessible sexual health services for young people in London must be a priority.”

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