STD and STI statistics published by HPA

Statistics published by the Health Protection Agency show that:

• Poor sexual health is of greatest concern in young heterosexuals and men who have sex with men.
• In the UK, people who live in cities are more at risk: these populations are thought to be more likely to have casual sex.
• Promoting testing and safe sex is key to prevent new cases of STDs and HIV.
• In the UK in 2010, there was an 8% rise in the number of people who tested positive for Genital Herpes (HSVII or Herpes type II).
• In the UK in 2010, there was a 3% rise in the number of people who tested positive for gonorrhoea.
• For the first time since records began the number of new cases of Chlamydia fell by 1% in the UK in 2010.
• The number of diagnoses made in NHS GUM clinics is falling as patients are increasingly choosing to be tested elsewhere such as private STD clinics.