Half a million Britons with STIs in 2012

There were half a million Britons diagnosed with a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) last year – 5% more than 2011. 46% of the infections were Chlamydia, and Gonorrhoea cases rose by 21%. The figures, published by Public Health England (PHE), have been viewed by many health officials as the consequence of unsafe sex.

Dr Gwenda Hughes, PHE head of STI surveillance, agrees: “There have been significant improvements in screening in recent years, particularly for gonorrhoea and chlamydia among young adults and men who have sex with men, so we are diagnosing and treating more infections than ever before.

“However, these data show too many people are continuing to have unsafe sex, put themselves at risk of STIs and the serious consequences associated with infection, including infertility.”

If you have practised unsafe sex, however long ago it may have been, it is essential you get tested. Many STI’s are symptomless, so you may not even know you have it. Better2Know provide fast, confidential STI testing services at a time and place to suit you and your busy lifestyle. Don’t delay, get tested!