Research and analysis

Spotlight on sexually transmitted infections in the North East: 2024 data

Updated 19 January 2026

Applies to England

Summary

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent an important public health problem. This report aims to provide key intelligence about STIs in the North East of England. It presents data on new diagnoses, consultations and screening in sexual health services (SHS) and the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP).

Data is mostly focused on activity in the North East in 2024. Where appropriate, data for the past 5 or 10 years is provided to understand trends and data from other regions and England as a whole is presented for comparison. Data at the upper tier local authority (LA) level is also presented. For a broader context see Sexually transmitted infections and screening for chlamydia in England: 2024 report (1).

Whilst the data shows that access to services have improved following the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it is important to note that trends in STI testing, diagnoses and patterns of sexual behaviour remain difficult to interpret between 2019 and 2022.

Main findings

Overall trends

In 2024, there were 14,847 new STIs diagnosed in North East residents, a rate of 548 diagnoses per 100,000 population. This is the third highest rate of all the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) regions in England. Rates varied by upper tier LA and ranged from 370 new STI diagnoses per 100,000 population in Northumberland to 893 new STI diagnoses per 100,000 population in Newcastle upon Tyne.

The number of new STIs diagnosed in North East residents decreased by 6% between 2023 and 2024. Decreases were seen in the 5 major STIs: syphilis fell by 5%, gonorrhoea 18%, chlamydia 7%, genital herpes 8% and genital warts 3%.

Although the decline in gonorrhoea diagnoses in 2024 relative to 2023 is encouraging, the numbers remain substantially higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Nationally, the number of gonorrhoea diagnoses also increased beyond that of 2019 in both 2022 and 2023 but have now dropped to a level similar to 2019. The rate of gonorrhoea in the North East population remains below that of England as a whole. We will continue to review this data to better understand these trends and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in testing and sexual behaviours.   

Similarly, although syphilis diagnoses decreased in 2024 relative to 2023, numbers remain substantially higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Nationally, the number of syphilis diagnoses continue in increase in 2024, remaining substantially higher than those in 2019. The rate of syphilis diagnoses in the North East (20 per 100,000 population) is higher than the national rate (17 per 100,000 population).

Populations with greater sexual health needs

Young people aged 15 to 24 years

STIs disproportionately affect young people. North East residents aged between 15 and 24 years accounted for 50% of all new STI diagnoses in 2024. Encouragingly, the rate of gonorrhoea in young people has decreased in 2024 compared to 2023, especially in those aged 20 to 24 years (37% from 615 to 387 per 100,000) and is similar to the England rate of 390 per 100,000. However, the rate of gonorrhoea diagnoses in North East residents aged 15 to 19 remains higher than that of England (278 compared to 166 per 100,000 population).

The rate of syphilis diagnoses in North East residents exceeds that of England in both those aged 15 to 19 (13 compared to 5 per 100,000; 174% higher) and 20 to 24 (52 compared to 26 per 100,000 population; 100% higher). We will continue monitoring these trends to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, testing changes, and sexual behaviour patterns in the region.

The rate of gential warts diagnoses has dropped sharply over the past decade: 74% locally (from 126 per 100,000 in 2015 to 33 per 100,000 in 2024) and 65% nationally (from 126 per 100,000 in 2015 to 43 per 100,000 in 2024). This follows the introduction of vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus which causes genital warts, for girls aged 12 to 13 years in 2008 and extended to boys of the same age group in 2019. However, the rate of decline has slowed in recent years with a 2% decrease in the North East from 2023 to 2024.

Chlamydia is by far the most prevalent STI accounting for 53% of new STI diagnoses across all ages and 66% of new STI diagnoses in those aged 15 to 24 years in the North East in 2024. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body leading to long term health problems, particularly in young women such as pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility. The NCSP is an opportunistic screening programme designed to control the transmission and, most importantly, reduce the long term harms from untreated chlamydia infection in females aged 15 to 24 years. To reflect the importance of controlling chlamydia infection in this age group, the chlamydia detection rate indicator (DRI) is included as one of the health protection indicators within the national Public Health Outcomes Framework. It is a measure of chlamydia control activity: achieving a higher chlamydia DRI reflects improved control of chlamydia infection and reproductive sequelae. UKHSA recommends that local areas should be working towards achieving a chlamydia DRI no lower than 3,250 per 100,000 among females aged 15 to 24 years. In 2024, the chlamydia DRI decreased by 6% (from 2,150 per 100,000 in 2023 to 2,029 per 100,000) in North East women aged 15 to 24 years.

Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men

Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) are disproportionately affected by some STIs. In 2024, where gender and sexual orientation were known, GBMSM accounted for 69% of male syphilis cases and 53% of all syphilis diagnoses in the North East. Men who have sex with women (MSW) represented 24%, and women made up 23%. The proportion of GBMSM cases has declined over the past decade as diagnoses among heterosexual men and women have risen. For example, in 2015, GBMSM accounted for 64% of all cases and 76% of male cases in the region.

Similarly, in 2024, GBMSM accounted for 54% of male gonorrhoea cases and 35% of all gonorrhoea diagnoses in the North East. MSW represented 30% and women made up 35%. The proportion of cases among GBMSM has increased over the past decade. In 2015, GBMSM accounted for 45% of gonorrhoea diagnoses among men and 26% of all gonorrhoea diagnoses in the region.

In 2024, GBMSM accounted for 33% of new STI male cases and 18% of all new STI diagnoses in the North East (using GUMCAD data only).

Ethnic minority groups

The highest number of new STI diagnoses is seen in people of White ethnic group: 11,841 (89.8%). Although 0.2% of new STIs are in the Black Caribbean ethnic group, they have the highest rate (1,528 per 100,000), 3.2 times that seen in the White ethnic group. Where country of birth was known, 90% of North East residents diagnosed with a new STI in 2024 (excluding chlamydia diagnoses reported via CTAD) were UK-born.

Testing and consultation rates

When reviewing trends in STI diagnoses it is also important to consider any changes in testing and positivity rates as well as factors that may impact upon these rates, such as changes to testing practices and access to services. For example, the number of consultations, tests and ultimately STI diagnoses were significantly lower in 2020 and 2021 compared to preceding years due to the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions had on SHS.

Testing rates (excluding chlamydia in those aged 24 years and under) in the North East increased by 5% in 2024 compared to 2023 (2,899 per 100,000 compared to 2,756 per 100,000) and remain above that of 2019 (2,575 per 100,000 population). However, they continue to remain below that of England (4,089 per 100,000 in 2024) and 7 of the 8 other UKHSA regions. London has the highest testing rate in 2024 (9,388) followed by South East of England (3,201), East of England has the lowest (2,673).

The proportion of STI tests that were positive has decreased by 16% in the North East (from 8.0% in 2023 to 6.7% in 2024) and remains 6% higher than in 2019 when the testing positivity was 6.3%.

When all consultation mediums are considered together, the total number increased by 4.5% from 137,827 in 2023 to 144,082 in 2024 in the North East. Of these, 63% were face-to-face consultations and 32% were online consultations. The number and proportion of online consultations have continued to increase over the past 5 years.

Conclusion

Sexually transmitted infections remain a significant public health concern in the North East. Rates of syphilis – particularly among females and young people – are higher than the national average. Similarly, gonorrhoea rates in these groups exceed those seen across England.

Young people consistently show the highest diagnosis rates for common STIs, likely due to higher rates of partner change (2). Young women may also be disproportionately affected due to disassortative sexual mixing by age and gender (3).

To address raising STI rates among 15 to 24 years, the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), the UKHSA, and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) are collaborating on a regional sexual health campaign targeting young people.

Efforts to tackle syphilis continue across the region, including establishment of a multi-disciplinary Tackling Syphilis steering group and the development of a regional action plan. This group will continue to monitor the evolving epidemiology of syphilis and oversee progress against the plan’s objectives.

For all STIs, early diagnosis and effective partner notification remain crucial. The number of consultations at SHS has continued to recover following the disruption to services during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there has been a clear change in how people seek advice and testing, which is likely to impact on sexual health outcomes and infection transmission in the region. This is something we will continue to explore.

UKHSA’s main messages

Commissioners and providers of SHSs have an important role in communicating messages about safer sexual behaviours and how to access services. Main prevention messages include:

Using condoms consistently and correctly protects against HIV and other STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis – condoms can also be used to prevent unplanned pregnancy.

Regular screening for STIs and HIV is essential to maintain good sexual health – everyone should have an STI screen, including an HIV test, on at least an annual basis if having condomless sex with new or casual partners – and in addition:

• women, and other people with a womb and ovaries, aged under 25 years who are sexually active should have a chlamydia test annually and on change of sexual partner
• gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) should have tests for HIV and STIs annually or every 3 months if having condomless sex with new or casual partners

Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxyPEP) is recommended to people at risk of syphilis to reduce their risk of infection – doxyPEP is available at specialist SHSs.

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is available for free from specialist SHSs and can be used to reduce an individual’s risk of acquiring HIV.

HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can be used to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV following some sexual exposures – PEP is available for free from most specialist SHSs and most emergency departments.

People living with diagnosed HIV who are on treatment and have an undetectable viral load are unable to pass on the infection to others during sex – this is known as ‘Undetectable=Untransmittable’ or ‘U=U’.

Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis A and hepatitis B will protect against disease caused by these viruses and prevent the spread of these infections:

• GBMSM can obtain the hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines from specialist SHSs – these vaccines are also available for other people at high risk of exposure to the viruses
• GBMSM aged up to and including 45 years can obtain the HPV vaccine from specialist SHSs
• meningococcal B vaccination (4CMenB), which can protect against gonorrhoea and help tackle the increasing levels of antibiotic resistant strains of the disease, is available for those at increased risk, included GBMSM who have a recent history of multiple sexual partners or an STI
• mpox vaccination is available for those at increased risk, including GBMSM who have a recent history of multiple sexual partners

Specialist SHSs are free and confidential and offer testing and treatment for HIV and STIs, condoms, vaccination, HIV PrEP and PEP:

• clinic-based services are commissioned for residents of all areas in England
• online self-sampling for HIV and STIs is widely available
• information and advice about sexual health including how to access services is available at NHS.UK (https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/sexual-health-services/) and from the national sexual health helpline on 0300 123 7123

Charts, tables and maps

In keeping with previous spotlight reports, many of the charts below present trends in STIs over the past 5 years. It is important to remember when reviewing these charts that the 2020 and 2021 data is not reflective of the longer term trends prior to 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overall trends in STIs in the North East

Figure 1: New STI diagnosis rates by UKHSA region of residence, England, 2024

Data sources: GUMCAD, CTAD

Figure 1 is a column chart showing new STI diagnosis rates by English UKHSA region for the year 2024. Rates are per 100,000 population and are not age-restricted or adjusted. UKHSA regions are shown in descending order with the North East represented by a lighter shading.

The chart shows that the North East had the third highest rate of new STI diagnoses across all UKHSA regions in 2024 (548 per 100,000 population). This is less than England as a whole (633).

Figure 2: Number of diagnoses of the 5 main STIs, North East residents, 2020 to 2024 [note 1]

Data sources: GUMCAD, CTAD

Note 1. It is important to consider whether there have been any changes to testing or vaccination practices when interpreting increases or decreases in STIs. The following paragraphs list various considerations:

• any increase in gonorrhoea diagnoses may be due to the increased use of highly sensitive nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and additional screening of extra-genital sites in GBMSM
• any decrease in genital wart diagnoses may be due to a moderately protective effect of HPV-16/18 vaccination
• any increase in genital herpes diagnoses may be due to the use of more sensitive NAATs
• increases or decreases may also reflect changes in testing practices (for example populations identified as being at risk, increased testing due to concern about a specific STI) and access to testing (for example increased access via online services, decreased access to face-to-face testing during the COVID-19 pandemic)

Figure 2 is a line chart showing trends in the number of diagnoses of the 5 main STIs (chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhoea and syphilis) in North East residents from 2020 to 2024.

The chart shows chlamydia (7,858 diagnoses in 2024) as the top line in the chart, which reflects the fact that this is the most prevalent STI in the North East population and accounts for 53% of new STI diagnoses in 2024.

Gonorrhoea is the second most prevalent STI in the North East population in 2024 (2,513) accounting for 17% of new STI diagnoses. Following a sharp increase in the number of gonorrhoea diagnoses between 2021 and 2022 (1,230 compared to 3,090; 151% increase), the number has decreased in 2024 but remains higher than pre-pandemic levels.

Compared to 2023, the number of syphilis diagnoses in 2024 showed a 5.4% decrease (from 571 to 540). This follows a continuous year on year increase in syphilis diagnoses since 2016 (excluding the pandemic period) when the number of diagnoses was 157.

The number of genital herpes (1,192) and genital warts (880) have decreased compared to 2023 (1,292 and 903, respectively).

Table 1: Percentage change [note 1] in new STI diagnoses, North East residents

Diagnoses	2024	Percentage change 2020 to 2024	Percentage change 2023 to 2024
Chlamydia	7,858	9%	-7%
Genital Herpes	1,192	11%	-8%
Genital Warts	880	-25%	-3%
Gonorrhoea	2,513	92%	-18%
Syphilis	540	132%	-5%
Other [note 2]	1,864	43%	23%
All new STIs [note 2]	14,847	21%	-6%

Data sources: GUMCAD, CTAD

Note 1: See notes for Figure 2. Note 2: See section 6.3 for a list of diagnoses that are included in the all new STIs and other STIs.

Table 1 shows the number of diagnoses of each of the 5 main STIs (these correspond to the final points on the lines in Figure 2), new STIs and other STIs for North East residents in 2024. Two columns follow this one. The first shows percentage change from 2020 (the first year of the 5-year period used for these reports) to 2024, while the second shows percentage change from the previous year (2023) to 2024. Together these columns summarise the changes seen in the previous chart. This is especially useful for less common STIs such as syphilis as changes for these STIs can be hard to see in charts which are scaled to include infections with much higher numbers, such as chlamydia.

The table shows that although the number of new STIs (14,847) was 6% lower in 2024 compared to 2023 (15,819) there has been a 21% increase when compared to 2020 (12,266), reflecting the rebound in diagnoses seen following the COVID-19 pandemic. None the less, numbers still remain 13% below that of 2019 (17,116).

A similar trend is observed in the number of chlamydia diagnoses in North East residents with the number in 2024 (7,858) being 7% lower than 2023 (8,468); 9% higher than in 2020 (7,181) but remains 12% lower than 2019 (8,975).  

The number of genital herpes diagnoses also declined by 8% in 2024 compared to 2023 (1,192 compared to 1,292) and remains 24% lower than in 2019 (1,568).

The number of genital warts has continued to see a consistent decline over the past 5 years following the introduction of immunisations against HPV in girls aged 12 to 13 years in 2008 and boys of the same age in 2019.  

In contrast, while both gonorrhoea (2,513) and syphilis (540) diagnoses in 2024 declined by 18% (3,075) and 5% (571), respectively compared to 2023, numbers remain substantially higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trends in STIs by demographic risk groups

Age group and sex

Figure 3: Rates of new STIs per 100,000 North East residents by age group [note 3] and gender, 2024

Data sources: GUMCAD, CTAD

Note 3: Only data for those aged 15 to 64 years are shown. This reflects the sensitivity of data relating to those aged less than 15 years and the need to prevent the disclosure of small numbers.

Figure 3 is a type of bar chart called an age-sex pyramid displaying the rate of new STI diagnoses in North East residents in 2024 by age group and gender (male compared to female). Rates are by 100,000 population in each group. Five age groups are displayed: 15 to 19 years, 20 to 24 years, 25 to 34 years, 35 to 44 years, 45 to 64 years. Data on those aged less than 15 years is not presented given the high sensitivity of this data. Rates for those aged 65 or older are withheld to ensure that no deductive disclosure is possible for the less than 15 years age group. The proportion of STIs in those aged less than 15 years and those older than 64 years is very low accounting for 1% of diagnoses in 2024.

The chart shows that the highest rates in both females and males were in those aged 20 to 24 years (3,230.8 and 2,254.4 per 100,000, respectively), followed by 15 to 19 year olds in females (2,336.4) and 25 to 34 year olds in males (1,369.2). This pattern was similar to previous years.

Figure 4: Rates of gonorrhoea per 100,000 North East residents by age group [note 3], 2020 to 2024 [note 1]

Data sources: GUMCAD

Note 1: See notes for Figure 2. Note 3: See notes on Figure 3.

Figure 4 is a line chart displaying trend lines of the rate of gonorrhoea diagnoses in North East residents by age group over the past 5 years (2020 to 2024). Rates are by 100,000 population in each age group. As in Figure 3, 5 age groups are displayed: 15 to 19 years, 20 to 24 years, 25 to 34 years, 35 to 44 years and 45 to 64 years.

The chart shows that those aged 20 to 24 years continue to have the highest rate of gonorrhoea in 2024 (387.4 per 100,000) followed by those aged 15 to 19 years (277.6). Compared to 2023, gonorrhoea rates declined across most age groups, with the largest drops in younger cohorts (20 to 24 years: −37%; 15 to 19 years: −30%). Rates fell 12% in ages 25 to 34 years and 2% in ages 45 to 64 years, but rose 35% in ages 35 to 44 years (from 99 to 133 per 100,000). These trends reflect those observed at the national level, with greater declines reported in the younger age groups and smaller declines or increases reported in the older age groups.   

Despite the observed declines in younger age groups, rates of gonorrhoea diagnoses in 2024 remain higher in all age groups compared to 2019. Furthermore, the rate of diagnoses in North East residents aged 15 to 19 years remains higher than the national rate (165.5 per 100,000) in 2024.

Figure 5a: Rates of syphilis per 100,000 North East residents by age group[note 3], 2020 to 2024 [note 1]

Data sources: GUMCAD

Note 1: See notes for Figure 2. Note 3: See notes on Figure 3.

Figure 5b: Rates of syphilis per 100,000 England residents by age group [note 3], 2020 to 2024 [note 1]

Data sources: GUMCAD

Note 1: See notes for Figure 2. Note 3: See notes on Figure 3.

Figure 5a is a line chart displaying trend lines of the rate of syphilis diagnoses in North East residents by age group over the past 5 years (2020 to 2024). Rates are by 100,000 population in each age group. As in previous figures, 5 age groups are displayed: 15 to 19 years, 20 to 24 years, 25 to 34 years, 35 to 44 years and 45 to 64 years. Figure 5b is the same line chart displaying trend lines of the rate of syphilis diagnoses in England by age group. This chart is presented for direct comparison to the North East region chart.

Chart 5a shows that syphilis diagnosis rates are highest among those aged 25 to 34 years (57.5 per 100,000), followed by 20 to 24 years (51.9). Rates in these groups, as well as in 15 to 19 year olds (12.6), declined between 2023 and 2024, with decreases of 9%, 22%, and 9% respectively. Among 35 to 44 year olds, the rate fell slightly by 2% (from 39.0 to 38.1). In contrast, rates among 45 to 64 year olds increased by 29% (from 10.7 to 13.8).

As can be seen when comparing to Figure 5b, North East syphilis rates in all age groups except 45 to 64 years exceed England’s rates in 2024 (England: 15 to 19 years: 4.6 per 100,000; 20 to 24 years: 25.9; 25 to 34 years: 42.5; 35 to 44 years: 33.7; 45 to 64 years: 15.8).

Figure 6a: Rates of syphilis per 100,000 female North East residents by age group[note 3], 2020 to 2024 [note 1]

Data sources: GUMCAD

Note 1: See notes for Figure 2. Note 3: See notes on Figure 3.

Figure 6b: Rates of syphilis per 100,000 male North East residents by age group [note 3], 2020 to 2024 [note 1]

Data sources: GUMCAD

Note 1: See notes for Figure 2. Note 3: See notes on Figure 3.

Figures 6a and 6b are line charts displaying trend lines of the rate of syphilis diagnoses in female and male North East residents, respectively, by age group over the past 5 years (2020 to 2024). Rates are by 100,000 population in each sex and age group. As in previous figures, 5 age groups are displayed: 15 to 19 years, 20 to 24 years, 25 to 34 years, 35 to 44 years and 45 to 64 years.

Together these charts highlight that the syphilis diagnoses trends over time vary by both gender and age group. Specifically, as noted above, syphilis diagnoses among 20 to 24 year olds fell by 22%. Figures 6a and 6b show this decline was driven by females, with rates dropping 48% (from 59.1 per 100,000 in 2023 to 30.8 in 2024). Similarly, the decrease among 25 to 34 year olds was largely due to females, with a 22% reduction (from 38.8 to 30.1).

In contrast, the decline among 15 to 19-year-olds was mainly among males, with rates falling 59% (from 21.0 per 100,000 in 2023 to 8.8 in 2024).

Among 45 to 64-year-olds, syphilis rates increased in both sexes: males saw a 25% rise (from 19.7 per 100,000 in 2023 to 24.7 in 2024), while females experienced a 150% increase (from 0.8 to 2.0).

Figure 7a: Rates of syphilis per 100,000 females by UKHSA region of residence, 2015 to 2024 [note 1]

Data sources: GUMCAD

Note 1: See notes for Figure 2.

Figure 7b: Rates of syphilis per 100,000 males by UKHSA region of residence, 2015 to 2024 [note 1]

Data sources: GUMCAD

Note 1: See notes for Figure 2.

Figures 7a and b are line charts displaying trend lines of the rate of syphilis diagnoses in female and male residents, respectively, by English UKHSA region over the past decade (2015 to 2024). Rates are by 100,000 population in each sex and are not age-restricted or adjusted.

The charts show that for females, the rate of syphilis is the North East population remains higher than all other UKHSA regions including London and higher than the national average.

The rate of syphilis in males in the North East population remains above the national average and all regions except London for the second consecutive year.

Figure 8: Rates of genital warts per 100,000 North East residents aged 15 to 19 years by gender, 2020 to 2024 [note 1]

Data sources: GUMCAD

Note 1: See notes for Figure 2.

Figure 8 is a line chart showing trends in genital warts diagnoses by gender for North East aged 15 to 19 years over the years 2020 to 2024. Rates are by 100,000 population in each gender.

There has been a decreasing trend seen nationally over the past decade due to the effective HPV vaccination programme introduced to girls aged 12 to 13 years from September 2008 and extended to boys of the same age group from September 2019. In 2015 the North East rate in boys aged 15 to 19 years was 278.3 per 100,000 compared to 11.1 in 2024. The rate in North East females aged 15 to 19 years was 532.8 in 2015 compared to 20.7 in 2024.

A 34% increase in the rate of genital warts diagnoses was observed in females aged 15 to 19 in 2024 (20.7 per 100,000) compared to 2023 (15.5) in North East residents. A 36% decrease was observed in males aged 15 to 19 in 2024 (11.1) compared to 2023 (17.3).

Sexual orientation

Figure 9: Diagnoses of the 5 main STIs among GBMSM [note 4], North East residents, 2020 to 2024 [note 1]

Data sources: GUMCAD data only

Note 1: See notes for Figure 2.
Note 4: Data on sexual orientation is not collected by CTAD. All information about GBMSM is based on diagnoses made in specialist and non-specialist services which report to GUMCAD and exclude chlamydia diagnoses by online services.

Figure 9 is a line chart displaying showing trends in the number of diagnoses of the 5 main STIs (chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhoea and syphilis) among GBMSM in the North East from 2020 to 2024.

The chart shows that diagnoses of all 5 main STIs in 2024 remain higher than in 2020, reflecting the post COVID-19 pandemic rebound, though the extent varies by infection. Gonorrhoea and chlamydia continue to be the most common STIs in this high-risk group. Gonorrhoea diagnoses fell by 9.1% in 2024 (845 compared 930 in 2023) but remain 28.6% above 2019 levels (657), following sharp increases between 2021 and 2022. Chlamydia diagnoses, which initially rose after the pandemic, declined by 20% in 2024 (459 compared to 574 in 2023) and remain 7.5% below 2019 (496). Syphilis diagnoses plateaued in 2024 (268 compared to 269 in 2023) but are still 88.7% higher than in 2019 (142). In contrast, genital herpes and genital warts diagnoses increased in 2024 compared to 2023 (55% and 51%, respectively). Genital herpes (59) is now 15.7% higher than in 2019 (51), while genital warts (71) remain 29.7% lower than 2019 (101).

Figure 10: Syphilis diagnoses by sexual orientation, North East residents, 2015 to 2024 [note 1]

Data sources: GUMCAD data only

Note 1: See notes for Figure 2.

Figure 10 is a line chart showing trends in syphilis diagnoses by sexual orientation for North East residents over the past 10 years. Three groups are present: GBMSM, MSW and females.

The chart shows that over the past decade, syphilis diagnoses have risen substantially across all groups, though to varying degrees. Among GBMSM, cases increased by 179% (from 96 in 2015 to 268 in 2024). Among MSW, diagnoses rose by 303% (from 30 to 121), and among females by 376% (from 25 to 119). As a result, the distribution of syphilis cases by group has shifted. The proportion of GBMSM declined from 65% in 2015 to 53% in 2024, while female cases increased from 17% to 23%, and MSW cases rose from 20% to 24%.

Figure 11: Gonorrhoea diagnoses by sexual orientation], North East residents, 2015 to 2024 [note 1]

Data sources: GUMCAD data only

Note 1: See notes for Figure 2.

Figure 11 is a line chart showing trends in gonorrhoea diagnoses by sexual orientation for North East residents over the past 10 years. Three groups are present: GBMSM, MSW and females.

The chart shows that over the past decade, gonorrhoea diagnoses have risen across all groups, though to varying degrees. Among GBMSM, cases increased by 112% (from 398 in 2015 to 845 in 2024). Among MSW, diagnoses rose by 51% (from 480 to 727), and among females by 32% (from 641 to 849). As a result, the distribution of gonorrhoea cases by group has shifted. The proportion of GBMSM increased from 26% in 2015 to 35% in 2024, while female cases decreased from 42% to 35%, and MSW cases dropped from 32% to 30%. The number of cases declined in all 3 groups between 2023 and 2024.

Table 2: Percentage change in new STI diagnoses by sexual orientation [note 4] in North East residents

Diagnoses	Sexual orientation	2024	Percentage change 2020 to 2024	Percentage change 2023 to 2024
Chlamydia	GBMSM	459	48%	-20%
-	MSW	1286	14%	-6%
-	Female	4624	8%	-5%
Genital Herpes	GBMSM	59	79%	55%
-	MSW	356	30%	1%
-	Female	731	5%	-9%
Genital Warts	GBMSM	71	51%	51%
-	MSW	425	-26%	-7%
-	Female	334	-29%	-1%
Gonorrhoea	GBMSM	845	111%	-9%
-	MSW	727	105%	-15%
-	Female	849	86%	-26%
Syphilis	GBMSM	268	201%	0%
-	MSW	121	86%	-3%
-	Female	119	75%	-20%
All new STIs [note 2]	GBMSM	1,930	93%	-5%
-	MSW	3776	22%	-2%
-	Female	7299	15%	-6%

Data sources: GUMCAD data only

Note 2: See notes for Table 1. Note 4: See notes for Figure 9.

Table 2 shows the number of diagnoses of each of the 5 main STIs (these correspond to the final points on the lines in Figure 9), new STIs and other STIs among North East residents by sexual orientation group in 2024. Three groups are presented: GBMSM, MSW and females. Two columns follow this one. The first shows percentage change from 2020 (the first year of the 5-year period used for these reports) to 2024, while the second shows percentage change from the previous year (2023) to 2024. Together these columns summarise the changes seen in the previous chart. This is especially useful for less common STIs as changes for these STIs can be hard to see in charts which are scaled to include infections with much higher numbers.

In 2024 there were 1,930 new STI diagnoses among GBMSM; 5% fewer than in 2023 (2,030) but 93% higher than in 2020 (998), reflecting the post COVID-19 pandemic rebound. Among MSW, there were 3,776 new STI diagnoses in 2024; 2% lower than in 2023 (3,840) but 22% higher in 2020 (3,083). Among females there were 7,299 new STI diagnoses; 6% lower than in 2023 (7,793) and 15% higher than in 2020 (6,369). Compared to 2019, new STI diagnoses remain 16% higher among GBMSM (1,669) but 14% and 30% lower among MSW (5,391) and females (8,520), respectively in 2024.

Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis show similar trends to new STI diagnoses: numbers in 2024 are higher than in 2020 but lower than in 2023, with variation by sexual orientation group. Genital herpes among GBMSM increased; 79% higher than in 2020 and 55% higher than in 2023. Among MSW and females, genital herpes diagnoses in 2024 are above 2020 levels but similar to or below 2023. Genital warts rose among GBMSM compared to both 2020 and 2023 but declined among MSW and females over the same period.

Ethnicity and world region of birth

Figure 12: Rates of new STIs per 100,000 North East residents by ethnic group, 2024

Data sources: GUMCAD, CTAD

Figure 12 is a column chart displaying the rate of new STI diagnoses in North East residents in 2024 by ethnic group. Rates are by 100,000 population in each group. Three categories of ethnic group are displayed: White, Black African and Black Caribbean. All other ethnic groups are combined in order to prevent disclosure of small numbers given the small population sizes the North East.

The chart shows that 2024, North East residents of Black Caribbean ethnicity had the highest rate of new STI diagnoses (1,527.6 per 100,000), followed by those of Black African ethnicity (1,341.4). However, these high rates reflect the small population sizes of these groups in the region, as the actual number of diagnoses is very low (see Table 3). The rate of new diagnoses among North East residents of a White ethnicity was 480.0 in 2024, 7% lower than in 2023 (515.6).

Table 3: Percentage of new STI diagnoses among North East residents by ethnic group, 2024

Ethnic group	Number	Percentage (excluding unknown)
All other ethnic groups combined	1,027	7.8%
Black African	296	2.2%
Black Caribbean	26	0.2%
White	11,841	89.8%
unknown	1,657	-

Data sources: GUMCAD, CTAD

Table 3 shows the number and percentage of new STI diagnoses in North East residents in 2024 by ethnic group. In 2024, the majority of new STI diagnoses were among people of White ethnicity (11,841), accounting for 89.8% of cases where ethnicity was recorded. Black African ethnicity represented 2% of diagnoses, while Black Caribbean accounted for less than 1%. The remaining 7.8% were among other ethnic groups.

Figure 13: Percentage of North East residents diagnosed with a new STI by world region of birth, 2024

Data sources: GUMCAD data only [note 5]

Note 5: Data on country of birth is not collected by CTAD. All information about world region of birth is based on diagnoses made in specialist and non-specialist services which report to GUMCAD.

Figure 13 is a column chart showing the proportion of North East residents who were diagnoses with a new STI in 2024 by their world region of birth. Four categories are displayed: UK sub-Saharan Africa, European Union (EU) Caribbean and Central and South America. All other world regions of birth are combined given the small numbers in the North East.

The chart shows that of all new STI diagnoses in North East residents in 2024, 90% were among individuals born in the UK; 3% were among individuals born in sub-Saharan Africa; 3% in the EU and less than 1% in the Caribbean/Central and South American region. The remaining 4% of diagnoses were among individuals born in other world regions not displayed in the chart.

Deprivation

Figure 14: Rates of new STIs per 100,000 North East residents by decile of deprivation [note 6], 2024

Data sources: GUMCAD, CTAD

Note 6: Deciles run from 1 to 10 in order of decreasing deprivation, with 1 being the decile for the most deprived area. Deprivation is based on 2021 LSOA boundaries – which are available for 93% of GUMCAD data reported in 2024. Hence, rates per decile may be underestimated. LSOA of residence is linked to the 2019 Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) scores. LSOA: lower super output area is a unit of geography across England containing around 1,500 residents.

Figure 14 is a column chart which shows the rate of new STI diagnosis in North East resident is 2024 by decile of deprivation. Deciles run from 1 to 10 in order of decreasing deprivation. Rates are by 100,000 population in each decile.

The chart shows that the rate of new STIs per 100,000 North East residents in 2024 was highest in the most deprived areas (1st decile of deprivation: 712 per 100,000) and lowest in the least deprived areas (10th decile of deprivation: 348).

Trends in STIs at local authority level

Figure 15: Rate of new STI diagnoses per 100,000 North East residents by upper tier local authority of residence, 2024

Data sources: GUMCAD, CTAD

Figure 15 is a column chart which displays the rate of new STI diagnoses in 2024 by North East local authority (LA) of residence. Rates are by 100,000 population and for all ages. Local authorities are shown in descending order. The overall North East and England rates are represented as dashed and solid lines, respectively.

In 2024, Newcastle upon Tyne had the highest new STI diagnosis rate among North East LAs (893 per 100,000), exceeding the England rate (631). Northumberland recorded the lowest rate (370). Compared to 2023, rates increased in Newcastle upon Tyne (6%), Darlington (9%), and Sunderland (6%), while all other areas except North Tyneside saw declines ranging from 2% in South Tyneside to 18% in Middlesbrough. Rates in North Tyneside remained stable.

Figure 16: Map of new STI rates per 100,000 North East residents by upper tier local authority, 2024

Data sources: GUMCAD, CTAD

Figure 16 is a map showing the rate of new STI diagnosis per 100,000 population for North East LAs in 2024, as presented in chart 11 above. Again it shows that Newcastle upon Tyne had the highest rate of new STI diagnoses across the region in 2024. Northumberland, County Durham and Redcar and Cleveland had the lowest.

Figure 17: Rate of new STI diagnoses (excluding chlamydia diagnoses in residents aged under 25 years [note 7]) per 100,000 North East residents by upper tier local authority of residence, 2024

Data sources: GUMCAD, CTAD

Note 7: Chlamydia diagnoses in the target group of the National Chlamydia Screening Programme NCSP (those aged 15 to 24 years) are excluded because these diagnoses could reflect how NCSP is implemented locally rather than actual prevalence. Prior to 2023, this figure showed rates for the population aged 15 to 64 years, excluding chlamydia in those aged 15 to 24 years.

Like Figure 15, Figure 17 is a column chart displaying the rate of new STI diagnoses in 2024 by North East LA, however for this chart, chlamydia diagnoses in those aged less than 25 years are excluded. This is because this age group is actively targeted for screening for chlamydia. Variations in the local implementation of screening may distort the new STI rate and removing diagnoses for the affected age group helps us address this issue. As with the previous chart, the North East and England rates are superimposed as dashed and solid lines, respectively.

The ordering of LAs by rate of new STI diagnoses is not markedly different in this version of the chart. Newcastle upon Tyne had the highest rate (514 per 100,000) and Northumberland the lowest (257).

Figure 18: Chlamydia detection rate per 100,000 female North East residents aged 15 to 24 years[note 8] by upper tier local authority of residence, 2024

Data sources: GUMCAD, CTAD

Note 8: Prior to 2023, this figure showed rates for the whole population aged 15 to 24 years, regardless of gender.

Figure 18 is a column chart which displays the chlamydia DRI in female residents aged 15 to 24 years, the demographic group targeted by the NCSP, in 2024 by North East LA of residence. Rates are by 100,000 female population aged 15 to 24 years. Local authorities are shown in descending order. The overall North East and England rates are represented as dashed and solid lines, respectively.

UKHSA recommends that local areas should be working towards achieving a chlamydia DRI no lower than 3,250 per 100,000 among females aged 15 to 24 years. As seen in the chart, no LA in the North East reached the DRI target of 3,250 per 100,000 in 2024. However, all LAs had detection rates greater than England as a whole (1,589 per 100,000). The highest rate achieved was in Northumberland (2,760), the lowest was in County Durham (1,620).

Figure 19: Rate of gonorrhoea diagnoses per 100,000 North East residents by upper tier local authority of residence, 2024

Data sources: GUMCAD

Figure 19 is a column chart which displays the rate of gonorrhoea in 2024 by North East LA of residence. Rates are by 100,000 population and includes all ages. Local authorities are shown in descending order. The overall North East and England rates are represented as dashed and solid lines, respectively.

The chart shows that Newcastle upon Tyne had the highest rate of gonorrhoea in 2024 (164 per 100,000), exceeding the England rate (124). Middlesbrough had the second highest rate of all North East LAs (127) also exceeding the national rate. The lowest rate of gonorrhoea diagnoses was reported in Northumberland (58).

Compared to 2023, rates in all North East LAs except Sunderland and Darlington decreased in 2024. Declines ranged from 5% in North Tyneside to 34% in Hartlepool. In Sunderland, the rate increased by 19%, from 65 per 100,000 in 2023 to 78 in 2024. The rate of gonorrhoea diagnoses remined similar in Darlington.

Figure 20: Rate of syphilis diagnoses per 100,000 North East residents by upper tier local authority of residence, 2024

Data sources: GUMCAD

Figure 20 is a column chart which displays the rate of syphilis diagnoses in 2024 by North East LA of residence. Rates are by 100,000 population and include all ages. Local authorities are shown in descending order. The overall North East and England rates are represented as dashed and solid lines, respectively.

The chart shows syphilis diagnosis rates in the North East ranged from 9 per 100,000 in Sunderland to 41 per 100,000 in Hartlepool in 2024. Eight LAs recorded rates above that of England (17 per 100,000): Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Newcastle upon Tyne, Stockton-on-Tees. North Tyneside, Gateshead, Darlington and Redcar and Cleveland.

Syphilis diagnosis rates rose in several North East LAs in 2024 compared to 2023: Darlington (75%, from 11 to 19 per 100,000), North Tyneside (58%, from 15 to 23), Newcastle upon Tyne (52%, from 20 to 31), and Hartlepool (15%, from 26 to 41). Rates declined in all other areas.

Testing and consultations

Figure 21: STI testing rate (excluding chlamydia in under 25 year olds[note 7]) per 100,000 North East residents, 2012 to 2024

Data sources: GUMCAD, CTAD

Note 7: see notes for Figure 15.

Figure 21 is a line chart showing trends in the STI testing rate for the North East and England from 2012 to 2024. Rates are per 100,000 residents aged 15 to 64 years but excludes tests for chlamydia in those aged less than 25 years, as previously described in Figure 13.

The chart shows that the rate of STI testing has continued to increase since 2020, following disruptions to SHS during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, testing rates are below that of England as a whole.

Figure 22: STI testing positivity rate (excluding chlamydia in under 25 year olds [note 7]) in North East residents, 2012 to 2024

Data sources: GUMCAD, CTAD

Note 7: see notes for Figure 15.

Figure 22 is a line chart showing trends in STI testing positivity for the North East and England from 2012 to 2024. Whereas Figure 17 showed the STI testing rate, this chart shows the proportion of tests that were positive. Rates are per 100,000 residents of all ages but excludes tests for chlamydia in those aged less than 25 years, as previously described in Figure 13.

The chart shows that the rate of STI testing positivity has decreased in 2024 compare to 2023 in both the North East and England.

Table 4: Number of diagnoses of new STIs by UKHSA region of residence, data source and data subset 2024

UKHSA region of residence	GUMCAD:  Specialist SHSs	GUMCAD: Non-specialist SHSs [note 9]	CTAD [note 10]	Total
East Midlands	13,865	5,900	4,244	24,009
East of England	17,674	2,317	6,551	26,542
London	87,381	11,044	23,995	122,420
North East	10,121	1,722	3,004	14,847
North West	33,672	4,248	9,175	47,095
South East	29,777	2,455	8,472	40,704
South West	17,434	2,856	4,797	25,087
West Midlands	19,125	4,566	3,618	27,309
Yorkshire and Humber	20,263	1,671	6,339	28,273
UK (not England or Wales)	-	-	3	3

Data sources: GUMCAD, CTAD

Note 9: Diagnoses from enhanced GPs reporting to GUMCAD are included in the ‘Non-specialist sexual health services (SHSs)’ total.
Note 10: Including internet SHS (site type 12) for chlamydia from GUMCAD.

Table 4 summarises new STI diagnoses for each UKHSA English region in 2024 by the surveillance system through which they were reported and, for GUMCAD, whether they were reported by specialist or non-specialist SHSs.

Of the 14,847 new STI diagnoses in North East residents, 68% were reported by specialist SHSs via GUMCAD while 12% were reported via the same system but by non-specialist SHSs. The remaining 20% of new STI diagnoses were reported through CTAD.

Table 5: Number of diagnoses of the 5 main STIs in the North East by STI, data source and data subset 2024

5 main STIs	GUMCAD: Specialist SHSs	GUMCAD: Non-specialist SHSs [note 9]	CTAD [note 10]	Total
Chlamydia	3,664	1,190	3,004	7,858
Genital Herpes	1,192	0	-	1,192
Genital Warts	880	0	-	880
Gonorrhoea	1,990	523	-	2,513
Syphilis	540	0	-	540

Data sources: GUMCAD, CTAD

Note 8: See notes for Table 4. Note 9: See notes for Table 4.

Table 5 summarises diagnoses of the 5 main STIs for North East residents in 2024 by the surveillance system through which they were reported and, for GUMCAD, whether they were reported by specialist or non-specialist sexual health services (SHSs).

CTAD only collects information on chlamydia diagnoses and accounted for 38% of the 7,858 chlamydia diagnoses reported in 2024.

In the North East, non-specialist SHS carried out diagnoses on chlamydia and gonorrhoea only in 2024. 15% of the chlamydia diagnoses were made through non-specialist services and reported to GUMCAD while 21% of gonorrhoea diagnoses were made through non-specialist SHS reporting to GUMCAD.

Figure 23: Consultations by service medium: North East residents, 2020 to 2024

Data sources: GUMCAD

Figure 23 is a column chart that shows the number of sexual health consultations for North East residents for the 5 years from 2020 to 2024 by consultation medium. Three categories are presented: face-to-face clinic appointment, online and telephone appointments.

The chart shows that the number of face-to-face consultations decreased in 2024 compared to 2023 whilst the number of online consultations has continued to increase over the past 5 years. The number of telephone consultations rose in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to facilitate access to services during the first lock down. Since 2020, numbers of telephone consultations have declined.

In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, 96% of consultations were face-to-face (113,606 of 118,723), with 4% online and less than 1% by telephone. Although face-to-face consultations have increased since pandemic restrictions ended, their share has fallen to 63%, while online consultations now account for 32% and telephone for 5%.

When all consultation mediums are combined, the total number increased by 4.5%, from 137,827 in 2023 to 144,082 in 2024.

Information on data sources

Find more information on local sexual health data sources in the UKHSA guide.

The gender and age group chart is restricted to those aged 15 to 64 years as information about STIs in those aged under 15 years is considered highly sensitive. Analyses specific to this group are not provided in routine outputs. Rates for those aged 65 or older are withheld to ensure that no deductive disclosure is possible for the under 15 years age group. The proportion of STIs in those aged under 15 years or older than 64 years is very low.

As of 2020, all analyses for this report include data from non-specialist (Level 2) SHSs and enhanced GP services as well as specialist (Level 3) SHSs.

GUMCAD surveillance system

This disaggregate reporting system collects information about attendances and diagnoses at specialist (Level 3) and non-specialist (Level 2) sexual health services. Information about the patient’s area of residence is collected along with demographic data and other variables. GUMCAD superseded the earlier KC60 system and can provide data from 2009 onwards. GUMCAD is the main source of data for this report.

Due to limits on how much personally identifiable information sexual health clinics are able to share, it is not possible to deduplicate between different clinics. There is a possibility that some patients may be counted more than once if they are diagnosed with the same infection (for infection specific analyses) or a new STI of any type (for new STI analyses) at different clinics during the same calendar year.

CTAD surveillance system

CTAD collects data on all NHS and local authority or NHS-commissioned chlamydia testing carried out in England. CTAD is comprised of all chlamydia (NAATs) tests for all ages (with the exception of conjunctival samples), from all venues and for all reasons. CTAD enables unified, comprehensive reporting of all chlamydia data, to effectively monitor the impact of the NCSP through estimation of the coverage of population screening, proportion of all tests that are positive and detection rates.

For services which report to GUMCAD and for which CTAD does not receive data on the patient’s area of residence (for example, SHSs), information about chlamydia diagnoses is sourced from GUMCAD data.

CTAD does not collect information about sexual orientation or country of birth. Reports from CTAD are excluded from figures in this report which relate to analyses by sexual orientation or world region of birth.

Definitions

New STIs

New STI diagnoses comprise diagnoses of the following: chancroid, LGV, donovanosis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes (first episode), HIV (acute and AIDS defining), Molluscum contagiosum, non-specific genital infection (NSGI), non-specific pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and epididymitis, chlamydial PID and epididymitis (presented in chlamydia total), gonococcal PID and epididymitis (presented in gonorrhoea total), scabies, pediculosis pubis, syphilis (primary, secondary and early latent), trichomoniasis, genital warts (first episode), Mycoplasma genitalium and shigella.

Other STIs

Other STI diagnoses comprise those STIs listed above excluding the 5 main STIs, specifically: chancroid, LGV, donovanosis, HIV (acute and AIDS defining), Molluscum contagiosum, non-specific genital infection (NSGI), non-specific pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and epididymitis, scabies, pediculosis pubis, trichomoniasis, Mycoplasma genitalium and shigella.

Calculations

Confidence Intervals were calculated using Byar’s method for numerators up to and including 10. For small numerators Byar’s method is less accurate and so an exact method based on the Poisson distribution is used.

ONS mid-year population estimates for 2023 were used as a denominator for rates (other than by ethnic group) for 2024. ONS estimates of population by ethnic group for the year 2019 were used as a denominator for rates by ethnic group for 2024. This is the first time that new estimates of population by ethnic group have been available since 2011. This must be considered if comparing rates for 2024 in this report with rates by 2023 in last year’s report, as the rates in the last report used the 2011 estimates.

Further information

For the STI annual data, access Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): annual data - GOV.UK

For more information, access the online Sexual and Reproductive Health Profiles.

For more information on HIV data, see the separate HIV Spotlight report.

For HIV annual data, access HIV: annual data - GOV.UK

For more information on local sexual health data sources, see the UKHSA guide.

Local authorities have access to The Summary Profile of Local Authority Sexual Health (SPLASH) Reports (accessible from the Sexual and Reproductive Health Profiles) and the SPLASH supplement reports via the HIV and STI Data exchange.

About the Field Services

The Field Services was established in 2018 as a national service comprising geographically dispersed multi-disciplinary teams integrating expertise in Field Epidemiology, Real-time Syndromic Surveillance and Public Health Microbiology to strengthen the surveillance, intelligence and response functions of UKHSA.

You can contact your local FS team at FES.NorthEast@ukhsa.gov.uk.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the following:

• local SHSs for supplying the SHS data
• local laboratories for supplying the CTAD data
• UKHSA Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Division for collection, analysis and distribution of data

References

1. Migchelsen SJ and others. ‘Sexually transmitted infections and screening for chlamydia in England: 2024 report’ June 2025, UK Health Security Agency
2. Mercer CH and others. ‘Changes in sexual attitudes and lifestyles in Britain through the life course and over time: findings from the National Surveys of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal)’ The Lancet November 2013: volume 382, issue 9907, pages 1781 to 1794
3. Geary RS and others. ‘Sexual mixing in opposite-sex partnerships in Britain and its implications for STI risk: Findings from the third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal-3)’ International Journal of Epidemiology 2019: volume 48, issue 1, pages 228 to 242