The latest figures for STI infections in England were announced today by Public Health England. Although the overall figures were marginally down on the previous year, there was a marked increase in infections in the over 45 age group. We have written about this phenomenon before and we are on the record as stating that this age group is much less likely to be using barrier protection as they associate condom use with pregnancy prevention rather than as protection against sexually transmitted infections. Many people in this age group are divorced and embarking on new relationships but not taking precautions. Infection rates in the 45 – 64 age group were up 7% on the previous year and in the over 65s, the rate was 8.2% higher.

Amongst the younger age groups of 16 – 24, girls to be appeared much more responsible than boys, with 35% of girls getting tested for Chlamydia, while only 15% of boys got tested. This age group is recommended to get tested once a year or every time that they change sexual partners.

There was also bad news for men who have sex with men (MSM): they are disproportionately affected by Gonorrhoea and Syphilis. MSM accounted for 81% of all Syphilis cases and 63% of all Gonorrhoea cases. Gonorrhoea was up 26% in MSM, against a 15% rise in the population as a whole. As we know, Gonorrhoea is becoming more difficult to treat because of antibiotic resistance so this figure should be particularly alarming. Fortunately, most cases in the UK are uncomplicated and do respond to antibiotics but there is no room for complacency.

You can read the full set of statistics at the PHE website.