Gonorrhoea and syphilis on the rise in the UK

Experts have warned the UK is edging towards a “sexual health crisis” following cuts to STI testing services, as cases of syphilis and gonorrhoea have soared. New figures released by Public Health England show 41,193 people were diagnosed with gonorrhoea in 2015, representing an increase of 10 per cent on the previous year. 5,288 people were diagnosed with syphilis in 2015, a rise of 76% since 2012.

It is believed that the diseases are disproptionately affecting men who have sex with men, with gonorrhoea rising by 21 per cent among gay and bisexual men. Diagnosed cases of chlamydia have dropped, although health professionals have warned this may be due to a drop in testing rather than a drop in actual cases. READ MORE