The general incidence rate of STDs/STIs here in the UK is trending down. Figures for last year (2015) show that there were 434,456 new cases recorded. This total represents a decrease of 3.4% from the previous year’s total. But which are the most common STDs in the UK? We will look into this question in just a moment.
Increased STD testing in London could account for disproportionate STD statistics
The good news about the recent decline could be due to the fact that in general, awareness is increasing. Then there is also the excellent work done by private sexual health clinics like Broadgate GP Clinic London Wall. This has also played a significant role in terms of STD testing in London.
Although the total of new cases of STDs/STIs is decreasing, there are certain disproportionate increases. In particular, involving men who have sex with other men. In this group of people there was a 21% increase in cases of Gonorrhoea, and 19% in cases of Syphilis. According to Public Health England, this could be down to higher levels of sex without condoms.
The most common STDs in the UK
The most common STDs in the UK are: Chlamydia, Genital Warts, Gonorrhoea, Genital Herpes, and Syphilis.
Chlamydia is the most common of the STDs that are caused by bacteria. Last year it accounted for 46.1% of the total of new cases of STDs recorded. The total number of cases of Chlamydia in 2015 was 200,288, 4% less than in 2014.
Genital Warts are the most common of the STDs that are caused by viruses. Last year they accounted for 15.7% of all new STD cases here in the UK. The total number of new (first episode) cases of Genital Warts numbered 68,310 which was down 6.5% from the previous year.
Gonorrhoea is another STD caused by bacteria. It can result in serious health problems, and may cause infertility in males and females. This is one STD that is bucking the down trend. In 2015 41,193 new cases were recorded. This was an 11% increase on the previous year.
Genital Herpes is another common STD. It is caused by the Herpes Simplex virus. Once you are infected, the virus remains in your body system for life, remaining dormant for the most part, but may cause new outbreaks after the initial episode. In 2015 the total number of new (first episode) cases was 33,218, 0.4% down on 2014.
Syphilis is another STD caused by bacteria. It can lead to serious health problems in both men and women. As with Gonorrhoea, this is another STD that is bucking the new case downward trend. In 2015 there were 5,288 new cases confirmed. This represents a 19.9% increase on the previous year.
STD testing London for all of the common STDs in the UK
One of the best private clinics for STD testing London is the sexual health clinic operated by Broadgate GP Clinic London Wall. You can either take advantage of the walk-in service, or if you prefer you can pre-book an appointment by calling 020 7638 4330.