Latest news with #STIs
The Star
9 hours ago
- Health
- The Star
Rise in antibiotic-resistant sexually transmitted infections
If you're having unprotected sex with a new or casual partner, get yourself tested for STIs annually even if there are no symptoms. — Freepik There has been a 'concerning jump' in cases of gonorrhoea resistant to strong antibiotics, health officials have warned. New figures from the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show there have been more cases of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) gonorrhoea that are resistant to the antibiotic ceftriaxone so far in 2025 than the whole of last year. Overall, there was a 16% drop in gonorrhoea cases in 2024 in England, with 71,802 diagnoses, compared with 85,370 in 2023. However, ceftriaxone-resistant gonorrhoea cases are being detected more frequently – with 14 in the first five months of 2025 compared with 13 in 2024. Six of the 14 cases this year have been 'extensively drug-resistant,' which means that they were resistant to ceftriaxone and then to second-line treatment options, according to the UKHSA. Ceftriaxone is a strong antibiotic and the main treatment for gonorrhoea. Experts are therefore concerned when infections fail to respond to it. Most of these drug-resistant cases are linked with travel to or from the Asia-Pacific region, where the prevalence of ceftriaxone resistance is high. Elsewhere, among people in England, early-stage syphilis diagnoses rose 1.7%, from 9,375 in 2023 to 9,535 in 2024. The overall figure for syphilis, including late-stage syphilis or complications from the infection, increased 5% from 12,456 in 2023 to 13,030 in 2024. Chlamydia fell 13%, from 194,143 diagnoses in 2023 to 168,889 in 2024, while people diagnosed for the first time with genital warts also dropped. Among women aged 15 to 24 who are recommended to be screened through the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP), there was a 10.7% decrease in the number of chlamydia tests carried out, from 673,102 to 601,295. Dr Hamish Mohammed, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: 'Levels of STIs in this country remain a big threat to sexual well-being. 'These infections can have a major impact on your health and that of any sexual partners – particularly if they are antibiotic resistant. 'If you've had condomless sex with new or casual partners – either in the UK or overseas – get tested for STIs and HIV at least yearly, even if you don't have symptoms. 'Regular testing protects both you and those you're having sex with. 'From August, eligible people will also be offered vaccination to reduce the risk of gonorrhoea and we expect to see the immunisation programme have an impact on diagnoses of this infection in coming years.' Professor Matt Phillips, president of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, said: 'Whilst it is encouraging to see a fall in the total number of STI diagnoses this year, we nonetheless continue to see historically high rates of sexual infection, with particularly worrying continued increases in infections such as syphilis, which are at their highest-ever levels, and the continued spread of antibiotic-resistant disease.' It is vital that clear steps are put in place to reverse these trends. He added: 'Sexual health services remain under immense pressure and these new tools risk being deployed into overstretched systems unable to support them effectively. 'We find ourselves at a critical point for securing the long-term viability of sexual health services in this country. 'Only a joined-up, ambitious national strategy can ensure that we are prepared not just for today's sexual health challenges, but for those we know are coming.' – PA Media/dpa
Belfast Telegraph
2 days ago
- Health
- Belfast Telegraph
World's first gonorrhoea vaccination programme approved for NI roll-out this summer
Individuals who have a sexually transmitted infection and gay and bisexual men who have a recent history of multiple sexual partners or sexually transmitted infections are among those eligible for the jab which will be offered from August. Research shows that the vaccine could offer up to 40% protection against infection and help tackle increasing levels of antibiotic restraint against the bacteria, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Health Minister Mike Nesbitt encouraged anyone eligible for the vaccine to get it in order to protect themselves and others. 'With gonorrhoea cases rising, the launch of this world-first vaccine programme is important and very timely for Northern Ireland's public health,' he said. 'By targeting those most at risk, we have an opportunity to curb the spread and reduce transmission rates from this complex disease, and to prevent thousands of cases over the next few years. 'STIs aren't just an inconvenience, they can seriously impact on your health and that of any sexual partners. If you are offered the vaccine, I strongly encourage you take it, it is an important step to protect yourself and others.' The vaccine will be administered by local Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) through GUM clinics. x It follows advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) in November 2023, which recommended commencing roll out of the vaccine following an upsurge in gonorrhoea diagnoses Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride said: 'The introduction of the vaccination programme will have significant public health benefits for both those who receive the vaccine, and the wider population. 'The programme has the potential to result in less patients presenting with more complex cases and clusters of gonorrhoea. I would encourage all of those eligible to take up the vaccine when offered later in the year.' Gonorrhoea is a bacterial STI caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium. Gonorrhoea is transmitted through unprotected sex or genital contact with an infected partner – even if an infected person has no symptoms the infection can still be transmitted. It is now the most commonly diagnosed bacterial STI in NI. Around 8 out of 10 infections occur in men with gay and bisexual men most commonly affected.
Medscape
21-05-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Copper IUDs Linked to Higher Risk for STI Than Hormonal IUDs
MINNEAPOLIS — Copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) are associated with an increased risk for several sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other vaginal conditions than IUDs containing levonorgestrel, according to a retrospective chart review presented at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) 2025 Annual Meeting. 'Most prior research focuses on bacterial vaginosis and pelvic inflammatory disease risk in IUD users,' wrote Celeste Traub, medical student at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas, and her colleagues. 'Limited data exist regarding the broader impact of IUDs on other common reproductive tract infections.' The researchers therefore analyzed data from TriNetX, a group of databases that include information for 56,444,363 patients. They identified 74,219 patients who used the copper IUD without previous use of a levonorgestrel IUD and 451,769 patients who used the levonorgestrel IUD without previous use of a copper IUD. These patients were then matched for age at IUD placement, race, and ethnicity to come up with 73,123 patients in each IUD group. The analysis included only data from within 3 years of IUD placement. Patients were an average of 30 years old at the time of IUD placement. The cohort included 63.7% White, 21% Hispanic/Latina, 9.9% Black/African American, 5.3% Asian, 0.5% Pacific Islander, and 0.4% Native American patients. Copper IUDs were associated with a modestly higher risk for chlamydia (risk ratio [RR], 1.41), syphilis (RR, 1.4), gonorrhea (RR, 1.37), and HIV (RR, 1.27) than levonorgestrel IUDs. Copper IUDs were also associated with a higher risk for chronic vulvitis (RR, 1.46), acute vulvitis (RR, 1.41), chronic vaginitis (RR, 1.4), and acute vaginitis (RR, 1.12) than levonorgestrel IUDs. Risks for anogenital warts, herpes simplex virus 2, candidiasis, and trichomoniasis were not significantly different between copper IUDs and levonorgestrel IUDs. The risk for pelvic inflammatory disease, meanwhile, was lower with the copper IUDs (RR, 0.85) than with the levonorgestrel IUDs. Despite the large population included, the retrospective design limits what conclusions can be drawn from the findings and there could be unmeasured confounders such as differences in sexual behaviors or socioeconomic factors that affected the results. The study may also have potential selection bias if women who choose different IUD types have different health behaviors. 'These findings highlight the importance of considering vaginal health outcomes when counseling patients about contraceptive outcomes,' the researchers concluded. 'We have thought that one contraceptive mechanism by which hormonal IUDs work is through thickening cervical mucus; this serves as a barrier to sperm,' Hugh S. Taylor, MD, a professor of Ob/Gyn at Yale School of Medicine and chief of Ob/Gyn at Yale New Haven Hospital in Connecticut, told Medscape Medical News . 'It is not surprising that this also serves as a barrier to many STIs.' He further noted that the study's large size allows the detection of very small differences and highlighted that the risks for any infection with the copper IUD remains small. Further, 'IUDs do not adequately protect against any infection,' Taylor said. 'Barrier methods should be used whenever there is any risk of STI.' The research was funded by the UTMB Institute for Translational Sciences and the National Institutes of Health. The authors had no relevant financial disclosures. Taylor reported grants to Yale University from AbbVie and Organon unrelated to this research.
The Irish Sun
10-05-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Map reveals Britain's STI hotspots where locals have to be extra cautious on catching chlamydia & genital warts
NEW data has revealed that your postcode could be putting your sexual health at risk. Sexual health experts at 2 A new study has revealed which STIs are taking over different towns Credit: Getty The study ranked the 50 most populous towns and cities based on diagnosis rates for five common STIs. To ensure a fair comparison, they calculated the number of cases per 100,000 residents and used those figures to create an STI Risk Index out of 100. The data highlights where diagnosed individuals live, rather than where they are tested. The study found that Islington, London tops the list as the riskiest place in England for catching an STI, with a staggering risk score of 94 out of 100. READ MORE ON SEX This is nearly double the national average of 50, meaning residents in this area should exercise extra caution. Islington also holds the highest rate of genital herpes in England, with 131 cases per 100,000 people. Archway, an area within the London Borough of Islington, ranked second as one of the riskiest places to have sex, with an index score of 90 out of 100. The area recorded a chlamydia rate of 1,739 cases per 100,000 residents, with every 89th person diagnosed with genital herpes. Most read in Fabulous Blackpool came in third with an index score of 89, while the City of Westminster ranked fourth with 88, solidifying London's dominance in the rankings. The City of Westminster stands out for all the wrong reasons. Chilling vid outlines the dangers posed by sex extortion It has the highest rates in England for syphilis (125 cases per 100,000 people), gonorrhoea (749 cases per 100,000 people), and genital warts (135 cases per 100,000 people). This triple threat cements Westminster's position as a major STI hotspot, although its relatively low rate of Riskiest spot The study also revealed that you're 22 per cent more likely to catch an STI in a university city. University locations have an average risk score of 68 out of 100, which is more than a fifth higher than the England average of 50. Blackpool ranks as the third overall riskiest spot, while Liverpool has been identified as England's chlamydia capital. On the other end of the spectrum, the study uncovered areas with the lowest STI rates, suggesting residents are being extra vigilant about protection. Dudley ranked first with the lowest risk score, proving residents in this town prioritise sexual health. The market town in the Midlands is the safest place to drop your drawers, with a risk score of just 13 out of 100 – four times lower than the national average. 2 Islington tops the list as the riskiest place in England Credit: Getty Dudley also ranked second of all 50 locations for the diagnostic rate of gonorrhoea, with just 54 cases per 100,000 residents. It is joined in the top five safest places by Northampton, Bradford, Swindon, and Birkenhead, which scored between 17 and 26 out of 100 on the STI Risk Index. Common STIs chlamydia gonorrhoea trichomoniasis genital warts genital herpes pubic lice scabies syphilis human papillomavirus (HPV) HIV Did you know? STIs can take up to seven weeks after you have unprotected sex to show up on a test. If you do not have symptoms, it's best to wait seven weeks before getting tested. Each STI explained... The NHS has explained each STI... Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) passed on through unprotected sex (sex without a condom). It's treated with antibiotics. If not treated it can cause serious health problems. Gonorrhoea is an STI spread through bodily fluids. The bacteria can affect the genitals and bottom, as well as the throat or eyes if they're in the splash zone. Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis (TV). Symptoms of trichomoniasis usually develop within a month of infection. But up to half of all people will not develop any symptoms (though they can still pass the infection on to others). Genital warts are small, rough lumps that can appear around the vagina, penis or anus. Treatment for genital warts is not always needed. They sometimes disappear on their own within six months. If treatment is recommended, it will need to be prescribed by a doctor. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) passed on through vaginal, anal and oral sex. Treatment from a sexual health clinic can help. Symptoms clear up on their own but can come back. Pubic lice are tiny insects that can live on body hair, especially the pubic hair around the penis or vagina. They're spread through close body contact, most commonly through sexual contact. Scabies is an itchy rash caused by mites. It's spread through close skin contact, and anyone can get it. It should be treated quickly to stop it spreading. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). If it's not treated, it can cause serious and potentially life-threatening problems. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of a very common group of viruses. They do not cause any problems in most people, but some types can cause genital warts or cancer. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that damages the cells in your immune system and weakens your ability to fight everyday infections and disease. Treatment for STIs Most sexually transmitted infections (STIs) need treatment. The treatment you have will depend on which STI you have. Many STIs are treated with antibiotics. Always finish the course of treatment prescribed for you or it may not work properly. Do not have sex (including oral sex) until you and your partner or partners have finished treatment.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
A new type of antibiotic pill may treat drug-resistant gonorrhea. It could be available this year.
A pill developed by GSK was found to be safe and effective in treating gonorrhea in a late-stage clinical trial, according to a study published Monday in The Lancet. If approved, it would become the first new class of antibiotic for the sexually transmitted infection in more than two decades. The pill, called gepotidacin, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in March to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women and girls 12 and up — the most common type of infection in women. The drug is sold under the name Blujepa. A new treatment option is important, experts say, because bacteria that commonly cause STIs are increasingly becoming resistant to the standard antibiotics, making treatment more difficult. There are an estimated 82 million new cases of gonorrhea globally each year, according to GSK. In the United States, rates of reported gonorrhea have increased 118% from 2009 to 2021, with more than 640,000 cases being reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2022. Gonorrhea has developed resistance to nearly all the antibiotics used for its treatment, according to the CDC. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious health complications, including swollen and painful joints, liver inflammation, and heart and brain damage. It can also increase the risk of infertility in women. Gepotidacin is part of a new class of antibiotics called triazaacenaphthylenes, which work by targeting two key enzymes that gonorrhea needs to copy itself and survive. In a Phase 3 clinical trial of more than 600 adults and teens, gepotidacin was shown to successfully treat about 92% of patients when taken twice daily, compared with about 91% in a group of patients who got a standard treatment. The most common side effect was gastrointestinal issues, with almost all reported being 'mild or moderate.' Crucially, the study authors wrote, the pill was effective against strains of gonorrhea bacteria that are resistant to existing antibiotics. Dr. Sovrin Shah, an associate professor of urology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York who was not involved in the study, called the GSK pill 'a welcome addition.' 'Antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea is a public health concern,' Shah said. 'The rate of STIs is significant in the U.S.' David Harvey, executive director of the National Coalition of STD Directors, said 'we desperately need effective cures to combat gonorrhea,' but noted that widespread job cuts at the federal health agencies, including to a lab that tracked STIs, could make it challenging. 'The recent closure of the CDC's key STI lab — which helps us understand which antibiotics are still effective and when we need to engage new drugs like this — poses a significant new obstacle,' Harvey said. A spokesperson for GSK said the company plans to file approval with the FDA 'in the coming months' with a regulatory decision expected in the second half of the year. The company said it's seeking approval for gepotidacin as an alternative to first-line therapy when such treatment is inappropriate — such as when the patient is intolerant to the existing treatment or unwilling to use it. In an editorial that accompanied the study, Magnus Unemo, director of the World Health Organization's division that oversees gonorrhea, said GSK's pill is 'promising,' but added that challenges to keep gonorrhea as a treatable infection will continue. Unemo also stressed improved prevention, including the promotion of safe sex and condom use, early diagnosis and surveillance. This article was originally published on
