England hit with HIV infection spike
Image: (PHOTO: Ann-Marie Calilhanna; Star Observer)
SEXUALLY transmitted infections in England’s gay and bisexual male population have increased by 10 per cent since 2014, new stats reveal.
“The new statistics show STI rates are still very high among gay men and young adults,” Dr Gwenda Hughes, the head of STI Surveillance at Public Health England, said.
“We need to do more to raise awareness about STIs and how they can be prevented, especially the effectiveness of condoms.”
There were 434,456 reported STI infections in 2015, with 54,275 consisting of gay and bisexual men.
Public Health England had recommendations designed to combat these rising STI stats.
“We recommend that anyone having sex with a new or casual partner uses condoms and tests regularly for HIV and STIs,” Dr Hughes said.
“It is also vital to ensure there is easy access to STI testing and treatment services that meet the needs of location populations.”
Chlamydia was found to be the most commonly diagnosed STI. The study recommends that anyone who is under 25 and sexually active should be screened once a year or on change of sexual partner.
HIV tests are encouraged on a yearly basis or every three months if having unprotected sex.
If the UK NHS approved PrEP, the U.K. would not be in this HIV/AIDS mess now would they! PrEP is still banned in the UK. Canada, Australia and the USA have all approved PrEP!