University students urged to use condoms as cases of gonorrhoea and syphilis rise

University students are being urged to use condoms during sex due to high rates of gonorrhoea and syphilis among young people.

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data has revealed that in 2023, there were 1,040 new cases of syphilis and 29,880 cases of gonorrhoea among 15-to-24 year olds in England, compared to 1,000 and 30,007 respectively in 2022.

Additionally, there were 4,617 cases of genital warts and 104,107 cases of chlamydia among this age group last year, a slight decrease from 5,299 and 108,752 the previous year. Young people heading off to university are advised to use protection during sex, get tested if they have a new partner, and utilise local sexual health services.

Laura Domegan, head of nursing at Brook sexual health clinics, said freshers' week is "always a good time" for young people to consider their sexual health.

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She added: "This year it is particularly important, given the recent increase in diagnoses of several STIs, particularly among young people."

Katy Sinka, head of STIs at UKHSA, said: "If you're having sex with someone new, or someone more casually, don't forget to use a condom."

"With higher STI rates in young people, having sex without a condom can increase your chances of an infection like chlamydia or gonorrhoea."

"Getting tested regularly will also help detect any infections quickly and protect your own and your partner's health."

In June, levels of gonorrhoea in England were at the highest level since records began in 1918, while new diagnoses of syphilis were at levels not seen since 1948.