Students urged to use a condom and get tested regularly to protect themselves and others from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
There is a very real danger of catching a sexually transmitted infection (STI) if having condomless sex during freshers’ in September, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is warning, as cases of gonorrhoea remain at record levels.
UKHSA is urging all those heading to university to use a condom with any new or casual partners and to get tested regularly after gonorrhoea diagnoses rocketed to 82,592 in 2022. This is an increase of more than 50% compared to 2021.
Young people under the age of 25 years of age remain the most likely to be diagnosed with STIs. Last year there were over 400 diagnoses of STIs every day in this age group.
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 (PID), while syphilis can cause serious, irreversible and potentially life-threatening problems with your brain, heart, or nerves.
Many people do not show symptoms, meaning they often pass on STIs without realising it. Regular testing for STIs and HIV is essential – everyone should have an STI screen, including an HIV test, at least once a year if having condomless sex with new or casual partners.
Give us a call here at South Tyneside Sexual Health to book an appointment if you would like to be screened for STI’s on 0191 4820168 or if you would like to order condoms direct to your door please visit the following link and complete the form Free Online Condom Scheme :: South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (stsft.nhs.uk)
We will send you a free condom pack within 3 working days.