Surge in Genital Herpes Cases in England Amidst Decline in Other STIs

New cases of genital herpes are on the rise in England, showcasing a worrying trend amidst a broader decline in sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In 2025, nearly 29,000 individuals were diagnosed with genital herpes, marking a 3% increase compared to the previous year, according to the latest data released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). While overall STI diagnoses fell by 8% during the same timeframe—from approximately 364,000 to 334,000—this spike in herpes cases serves as a stark reminder that STIs are still a prevalent issue and underscores the importance of regular testing.

The rise of genital herpes, a virus that spreads easily through skin-to-skin contact, is particularly concerning. It can be transmitted during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, even when no visible symptoms are present. Additionally, it can spread if a cold sore makes contact with the genitals. It’s important to note that during the COVID pandemic, new cases of STIs, including herpes, dropped significantly as fewer people sought testing. However, those numbers have been climbing again, though they have yet to reach the nearly 35,000 new cases diagnosed in 2019.

Interestingly, health experts have observed mixed trends among different demographics. For instance, while diagnoses of syphilis among gay and bisexual men have plummeted by 19%, reaching their lowest levels since 2016, cases among heterosexual women have increased by 5%. Chlamydia remains the most common STI, accounting for almost half of all diagnoses, followed closely by gonorrhoea and genital herpes.

Dr. Hamish Mohammed, a consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, expressed cautious optimism about the progress made but emphasized that there is still “more to do.” He cautioned that these infections can lead to serious health issues and stressed the necessity for anyone who has engaged in sexual activities with a new or casual partner without a condom to get tested, regardless of whether they exhibit symptoms.

Moreover, there’s been a concerning 9% drop in chlamydia testing in 2025, which raises alarms since untreated chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. “Sexually active young women should be testing for chlamydia after a new partner or at least once a year,” Dr. Mohammed advised. Wearing condoms is an effective way to help prevent the transmission of many STIs, and it’s essential to understand that STIs cannot be contracted from towels, swimming pools, saunas, or toilet seats, as these do not involve skin-to-skin contact.

If you or your partner have blisters, sores, or any tingling or itching that could signal an impending outbreak, it’s crucial to refrain from vaginal, anal, or oral sex to reduce the risk of passing on genital herpes. Common symptoms of STIs include unusual discharge from the vagina, penis, or anus, pain during urination, and sores around the genitals or anus.

Thankfully, STI testing remains free and confidential, accessible through local sexual health clinics, university and college medical centers, or through discreet self-sampling kits sent by post. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, one can only wonder how these trends will shift in the coming years.

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber