What UK cities have the most STIs?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a growing public health concern in the United Kingdom. Each year, thousands of people are diagnosed with STIs like HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, and more, causing untold damage to the health and well-being of the people who have them.

But some places in the UK have a higher prevalence of STIs than others.

In this blog post, we will explore areas of the UK most affected by STIs, factors that can contribute to the rising rate of STIs, and how the spread of these STIs can be prevented.

Overview of STI prevalence in the UK

STIs have always been a serious threat to public health. So, when the UK experienced a dramatic drop in diagnosed STIs in 2020, public health professionals hoped that rates of transmission could finally get under control.

This did not happen. Despite drops in STI prevalence in 2020, STIs are on the rise again in the UK. As time went on, it became obvious that reported falls in STI rates resulted from a dramatic reduction in testing due to the Covid pandemic as well as behaviour changes resulting from months of lockdowns. Real STI rates, therefore, likely remained high and were simply not being diagnosed. This phenomenon reinforces the need for continuous testing for STIs and rigorous public messaging encouraging people to practice safe sex and to get tested regularly.

The prevalence of the types of STIs in the UK has not changed substantially over the last few years. Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Genital Herpes, Mycoplasma, and Syphilis are still the most common STIs in the UK as of 2021, with all five making up 77% of all diagnosed STIs in the country.

However, there has been a marked increase in the levels of Syphilis in the UK between 2010-2019, and current levels of reported cases, after a dip during the pandemic, have returned to pre-pandemic levels.

Breakdown of cities with the highest STI rates

According to government statistics, cities tend to have higher rates of sexually transmitted infections, with London having by far the most STIs per 100,000 people.

The cities and local authorities with the highest proportion of STIs per 100,000 people include:

1. London – 1,127  
2. Brighton – 1,054
3. Nottingham – 937
4. Liverpool – 936
5. Manchester – 923
6. Norwich – 917
7. Portsmouth – 871
8. Preston – 858
9. Southampton – 785

Note: within London, some boroughs have much higher rates of newly diagnosed STIs than others. Lambeth, for instance, has 2,980 per 100,000. Sutton, on the other hand, as 393 per 100,000

Some of the cities and local authorities with the lowest number of STIs per 100,000 people include:

1. Boston – 264
2. Solihull – 280
3. Harrogate – 290
4. Scarborough – 291
5. Stockport – 303
6. Bromsgrove – 320
7. Lichfield – 343
8. Warwick – 356 
9. Bath – 349
10. Worthing – 350

Factors that contribute to high STI rates in certain cities

There are several factors that can contribute to higher STI rates in certain cities or regions within the UK.

For example, densely populated urban areas tend to have high rates of sexual activity due to their large populations in close proximity. With more people around, there are more opportunities to have sex.

In addition, cities tend to attract people who are more vulnerable to contracting STIs, such as men who have sex with men (MSM) and young adults between the ages of 15 and 24.

The spread of STIs is also closely linked to poverty and socio-economic deprivation in the UK. Some of the highest levels of poverty in the UK are in cities. In other words, if you live in a city and in poverty, you are more vulnerable to contracting STIs.

Prevention and treatment options for those living in areas with higher STI rates

It is important to remember that STIs can be prevented and treated if caught early. Prevention methods such as using condoms consistently and getting tested regularly are key for those living in areas with a higher prevalence of STIs. Additionally, speaking openly with your sexual partners about testing, contraception, and STI protection is a great way to reduce the risk of transmission.

Final thoughts

Overall, STIs remain a major public health concern in the UK and can have serious consequences if left untreated.

To reduce these numbers, it is important for those living in cities with a high prevalence of STIs to take precautions such as using condoms consistently and getting tested regularly.

If you would like to get tested for an STI, call the number above to speak to one of our Sexual Health Advisors. Or you can click on the Book Now button to book an appointment at a clinic near you today.

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