TLDR Version 

Rates of Sexually Transmitted Infections are continuing to rise across England. Rates of gonorrhoea and syphilis have continued to grow and there are still as many chlamydia cases as last year nationally but still rising in LGBTQ+ communities. Condoms and lube are your best protection from STIs and if you live in Greater Manchester or Liverpool, you can order them to your door here at lgbt.foundation/condoms. You should also test for STIs regularly – book a test with us here at lgbt.foundation/testing and remember to talk to your partners openly about STIs, HIV and testing.  

Want to know more? Let’s look at some of the impacts.  

LGBTQ+ People – particularly Gay, Bi, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) along with people from ethnic minorities and young people continue to be most impacted. Gonorrhoea diagnoses between 2022 and 2023 rose 7.5% with 85,223 cases in 2023 – 5,995 more than in 2022. Syphilis cases are up 9.4% in the same period. Both are treatable with antibiotics and especially with syphilis the earlier you treat it the easier it is. Chlamydia is up 8.2% from last year too amongst GBMSM. Other STIs like genital warts and genital herpes are also increasing.  

What can I do? 

Talking – about testing and STIs with your partners is a big help. It shouldn’t be stigmatising to be treated for an STI or to test regularly.  

Condoms and Lube – Better, wetter, safer sex starts with condoms and lube – PrEP disrupts the transmission of HIV but not other STIs. You can get condoms and lube from us here (link). 

Test – If you have multiple or different partners you should test for STIs around once every 3 months as well as if you have symptoms of an STI. If you have only one partner still test once a year or if you have STI symptoms. Book a test with us lgbt.foundation/testing.

What still needs to be done? 

It’s important for sexual health services to be well funded and for sexual health projects and services that serve our communities to be fully backed. We will work to ensure that relevant bodies are committed to this aim so that all who need sexual health services can access the inclusive and culturally competent care they need.  

1. Safer Sex:

– Condoms are your trusted allies protecting yourself from syphilis and other STIs. Make sure to use them consistently during vaginal, anal, and oral encounters to maintain pleasure while reducing the risk of transmission.

– Discover other barrier methods: Explore the world of dental dams, gloves, and other protective tools. These options provide an extra layer of protection and encourage open communication and consent, enhancing both safety and pleasure.

Remember, cultivating open conversations with your partners about sexual health builds trust and helps to ensure you can enjoy the best sex you can while protecting yourself and your partners.

2. Regular Testing is Key!

Ready to unleash your inner detective? Regular testing is your secret weapon against syphilis and all other STIs. Visit your local Sexual Health (GUM) clinics or access our testing services at LGBT Foundation lgbt.foundation/testing for a full STI screening. Regular testing enables early detection and timely treatment. Keep in mind that syphilis may take up to 90 days to show up in tests, so regular testing and knowing about this window period is important.

3. Talk openly with your partners:

– Mutual Respect and Honesty: Prioritise your sexual health and value open conversations. Establishing mutual respect and honesty fosters a culture of consent and shared responsibility.

– Open Communication: Create a safe space where discussing sexual health feels natural and free from shame. Encourage talking about testing, boundaries, and desires. This empowers you and your partner(s) to make informed decisions, ensuring a healthier and more fulfilling sex life.

4. Know your stuff:

Knowledge is your superpower! Empower yourself with information about syphilis, its symptoms, and how it’s passed on. Understanding this infection helps you identify potential risks and seek testing and support. Remember, symptoms may not always be obvious, so staying informed ensures effective protection for yourself and others.

5. Treatment works:

Thankfully, syphilis is a treatable STI. More info about syphilis is here. Test regularly and if you’re a contact of someone who has tested positive you should seek treatment, if you need help with this you can contact us.

With a 50% increase in gonorrhoea cases, and a 15% increase in syphilis cases, as well as high rates of other STIs, what can you do to stay protected?

Test, test, test

• If you have an STI, it’s best to know so that you can get treated, and reduce the chance of you passing on any infections. We recommend that if you’re having sex with new partner(s) you should test as often as every 3 months, or at least once a year. LGBT Foundation offer STI testing which you can do in person with our team or at home, or you could use your local sexual health clinic.

Condoms and Lube

• Condoms are easily available, free and available in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Lube makes everything feel better and wetter. Plus, do you need contraception as well as STI and HIV prevention? Condoms will help out there too!
• Did you know that you can get condoms and lube for free from LGBT Foundation? Order them online, pick them up from a venue in Manchester’s gay village, or grab our team when you see us out and about in Liverpool!

Think about HIV too

• PrEP is a great tool to help you take control of your sexual health and prevent HIV. You can speak to your local sexual health clinic to find out if PrEP could work for you.
• If you’ve had an exposure to HIV in the last 72 hours, it’s not too late! Did you know that PEP can help reduce your risk of getting HIV? Read more on our PEP page.

Jabs

• Are you up to date on your vaccinations? You might be eligible for vaccinations for HPV, Hepatitis A/B and Mpox. Check with your local clinic if you haven’t had these and think you might need them!
• The Mpox vaccination programme is ending soon. If you still need to have one or both doses, the deadlines are 16 June 2023 for the first dose, and the end of July 2023 for the second dose.

LGBT Foundation will continue to do all that we can to support LGBTQ+ communities, who have been disproportionately impacted by STI rates. The Sexual Health Team have a range of services, some of which are highlighted below. We are here if you need us!

Some handy links to the Sexual Health Team services:

• If you’re in Liverpool or Greater Manchester, you can order condoms and lube – they’re free!
• Got a sexual health/wellbeing query? Fill out our Advice Form
• Greater Manchester resident? Book in for one of our HIV & STI testing appointments

To read UKHSA’s report – Sexually transmitted infections and screening for chlamydia in England, 2022 – click here