Today, the UK Health Security Agency has published data on diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections in 2022. 82,592 diagnoses of gonorrhoea were made at sexual health services in 2022, the highest annual number since records began in 1918. The number of diagnoses of infectious syphilis reached 8,692 in 2022. Gay, bi, and other men who have sex with men remain one of the groups with high numbers of cases of STIs. 

 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 accessible and versatile, and 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 and PEP are great tools to help you take control of your sexual health and prevent HIV. 

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 sex question? Fill out our  Advice Referral Form
• Greater Manchester or Liverpool resident? Book in for one of our postal  HIV & STI testing  kits 

Further Information

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