East Midlands people urged to practise safe sex as cases of syphilis rise

New data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows there were 375 cases of syphilis diagnosed in the East Midlands in 2024. This was a slight increase compared to 2023, where 372 cases of syphilis were reported.

Some positive highlights from the report shows that gonorrhoea, genital warts and chlamydia have decreased in 2024 compared to the previous year.

As well as regular testing, which is free and confidential, the risk of catching a sexually transmitted infection (STI) can be greatly reduced by using condoms with news and casual partners.

Despite the declines in some STIs, cases still remain high and STIs continue to significantly impact young people aged 15 to 24 years; gay and bisexual men; and some minority ethnic groups.

Though STIs are usually easily treated with antibiotics, many can cause serious health issues if left untreated. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease, while syphilis can cause serious, irreversible and potentially life-threatening problems with your brain, heart, or nerves. 

Susanne Howes, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA East Midlands said: “It’s great that we are seeing lower numbers of some STI cases in the East Midlands, but people can do more to protect themselves.

"We recommend getting tested (even if you don’t have symptoms) for STIs and HIV at least yearly if you’ve had condomless sex with new or casual partners – either in the UK or overseas. Regular testing protects both you and those you're having sex with.

"STI testing is free and confidential and can be accessed through local sexual health clinics, university and college medical centres or online through self-sampling kits sent discreetly through the post. 

"The symptoms of some STIs including syphilis aren't always obvious and may eventually disappear, but you'll usually remain infected unless you get treated. Some people with syphilis have no symptoms."

Symptoms of syphilis can include:

• small, painless sores or ulcers that typically appear on the penis, vagina, or around the anus, but can occur in other places such as the mouth 
• a blotchy red rash that often affects the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
• small skin growths (similar to genital warts) that may develop on the vulva in women or around the anus in both men and women
• white patches in the mouth
• tiredness, headaches, joint pains, a high temperature (fever), and swollen glands in your neck, groin or armpits

Treatment for syphilis is free, confidential and highly effective.