Research and analysis

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

Updated 4 June 2026

Applies to England

Summary

While this report primarily focuses on the trend between 2023 and 2024, some trends relative to 2019 or earlier are included to provide a comparison to sexual health service provision and sexually transmitted infections (STI) diagnoses prior to the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020 and 2021. For England, the numbers of consultations, sexual health screens and STI diagnoses in 2020 and 2021 are lower than preceding years and any trends during periods which include those years must be interpreted in that context.

STIs represent an important public health problem in the South East. However, of all the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)’s 9 regions, the South East had the third lowest rate of new STIs in England.

More than 40,000 new STIs were diagnosed in South East residents in 2024, a rate of 443 diagnoses per 100,000 population. Rates by upper-tier local authority (UTLA) ranged from 295 new STI diagnoses per 100,000 population in Wokingham to 1,086 new STI diagnoses per 100,000 population in Brighton and Hove.

The number of new STIs diagnosed in South East residents decreased by 10% between 2023 and 2024. Syphilis increased by 10%, gonorrhoea decreased by 21%, chlamydia decreased by 13%, genital herpes increased by 1% and genital warts decreased by 7%.

UKHSA recommends that local areas should be working towards achieving a chlamydia detection rate no lower than 3,250 per 100,000 among women aged 15 to 24 years and this is an indicator in the Public Health Outcomes Framework. In 2024, the chlamydia detection rate among South East women aged 15 to 24 years was 1,311 per 100,000 residents.

Rates of new STIs are different in men and women (478 and 393 per 100,000 residents, respectively). Where gender and sexual orientation are known, gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) account for 24% of South East residents diagnosed with a new STI excluding chlamydia diagnoses reported via CTAD (75% of those diagnosed with syphilis and 56% of those diagnosed with gonorrhoea).

STIs disproportionately affect young people. South East residents aged between 15 and 24 years accounted for 41% of all new STI diagnoses in 2024. A steep decline has been seen in genital warts diagnosis rates in females aged 15 to 19 following the introduction in 2008 of vaccination for girls against human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus which causes genital warts. Recent years have seen some fluctuation in rates of genital warts, with a 30% decrease in the South East from 2020 to 2024.

The White ethnic group has the highest number of new STI diagnoses: 27,337 (78.3%). Although 2.1% of new STIs are in the Black Caribbean ethnic group, they have the highest rate: 1,705 per 100,000, which is 5 times the rate seen in the White ethnic group. Where country of birth was known, 76% of South East residents diagnosed with a new STI in 2024 (excluding chlamydia diagnoses reported via CTAD) were UK-born. The rate of new STIs among people who lived in the most deprived areas (677 per 100,000) was 2.1 times higher than the rate for people who live in the least deprived areas (318 per 100,000).

Conclusions

• STIs diagnoses decreased – the decrease since 2023 was seen in overall STI diagnoses, and individually in chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and genital warts – however, genital herpes remained stable, and syphilis increased
• STI diagnoses are low compared to the rest of England – only 2 regions had lower rates than the South East – neighbouring London has rates 3 times as high as the South East
• there is strong geographical variation within the South East, with Brighton and Hove having significantly higher rates of overall STI diagnoses than the rest of the region
• STIs disproportionately affect young people. 15 to 24 year olds accounted for 41% of new STI diagnoses in 2024
• GBMSM are overrepresented in STI diagnoses, especially gonorrhoea and syphilis – STI diagnoses decreased among GBMSM in 2024, as they did for the South East population overall, but to a lesser extent
• rates of new STIs are associated with deprivation, with rates in the most deprived areas twice as high as in the least deprived areas
• rates also differ by ethnic group – while 4 out of 5 diagnoses are in the White ethnic group, rates are 5 times as high in the Black Caribbean ethnic group
• testing rates are low – the South East chlamydia detection rate is below 50% of the recommended target – the STI testing rate (excluding chlamydia in under 25-year-olds) is below pre-pandemic levels and below the rate for England, however, it has been increasing since the pandemic, and test positivity fell to pre-pandemic levels in 2024

UKHSA’s main messages

Commissioners and providers of Sexual Health Services (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
  • GBMSM who have a recent history of multiple sexual partners or an STI, and other high risk groups, are eligible for a meningococcal B disease vaccine (4CMenB) which can protect against gonorrhoea and help tackle the increasing levels of antibiotic resistant strains of the disease
  • Mpox vaccination is available for those at increased risk, including GBMSM who have a recent history of multiple sexual partners
  • routine childhood vaccination (hepatitis B and HPV), including catchup for those who have missed vaccinations at school, is important in preventing STIs
• 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

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 region for 2024. Rates are per 100,000 population and are not adjusted nor age-restricted.

The chart shows that the South East had the third lowest new STI diagnosis rate (443.2). The rate was also 10% lower than in 2023 (490.2).

Figure 2. Number of diagnoses of the 5 main STIs, South East residents, 2020 to 2024

Data sources: GUMCAD, CTAD

Notes: It is important to consider whether there have been any changes to testing or vaccination practices when interpreting increases or decreases in STIs:

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.

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

The chart shows that chlamydia (18,639 diagnoses) is the most commonly diagnosed STI in the South East. Compared to 2020, chlamydia and genital warts have decreased, while gonorrhoea, genital herpes and syphilis have increased.

Table 1: Percentage change in new STI diagnoses, South East residents

Data sources: GUMCAD, CTAD

Diagnoses	2024	Percentage change 2019 to 2024	Percentage change 2020 to 2024	Percentage change 2023 to 2024
Chlamydia	18,639	-36%	-7%	-13%
Genital Herpes	3,890	-17%	35%	1%
Genital Warts	3,657	-52%	-13%	-7%
Gonorrhoea	5,960	-9%	39%	-21%
Syphilis	938	12%	23%	10%
Other	7,620	-15%	51%	3%
All new STIs	40,704	-29%	9%	-10%

See notes for Figure 2. See New STIs section for a list of diagnoses that are included in the other STIs.

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Table 1 shows the percentage change seen in new STI diagnoses among South East residents. The table compares 2024 numbers with 2019, 2020 and 2023.

Between 2020 and 2024, there was a 9% increase in new STI diagnoses, as well as in the number of diagnoses of ‘other STIs’ (51%), gonorrhoea (39%), genital herpes (35%), and syphilis (23%).

Genital warts (-13%) and chlamydia (-7%) decreased over the 4-year period. Between 2023 and 2024, there was a 10% decrease in new STI diagnoses, where the number of diagnoses of gonorrhoea (-21%), chlamydia (-13%) and genital warts (-7%) decreased.

Compared to 2023, the number of diagnoses of syphilis (10%), other STIs (3%) and genital herpes (1%) increased. Compared to 2019, the number of diagnoses were lower in 2024, apart from syphilis (12%).

Figure 3. Rates of new STIs per 100,000 South East residents by age group (for those aged 15 to 64 years only) and gender, 2024

Data sources: GUMCAD, CTAD

Figure 3 is a population pyramid showing rates of new STIs by age group and gender in 2024. Rates are by 100,000 population and only South East residents aged 15 to 64 years are included. This reflects the sensitivity of data relating to those aged less than 15 years and the need to prevent the disclosure of small numbers.

The distribution of rates by age and gender was skewed towards females for those 24 and under and towards males for those aged 25 and over. The highest rate was seen in the 20 to 24 age group for both females (2,560) and males (1,979). The shape of the pyramid is largely driven by diagnoses of chlamydia, the most common STI in England.

Figure 4. Rates of gonorrhoea per 100,000 South East residents by age group [note 1] (for those aged 15 to 64 years only), 2020 to 2024

Data sources: GUMCAD

Note 1: Age-specific rates are shown for those aged 15 to 64 years only.

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Figure 4 is a line chart showing trends in gonorrhoea diagnoses by age group in South East residents aged 15 to 64 years from 2020 to 2024.

All age groups had higher rates in 2024 than in 2020. The 20 to 24 age group had the highest rate (259), followed by the 25 to 34 age group (173), 15 to 19 age group (102), and 35 to 44 age group (97). The 45 to 64 age group had the lowest rate (39).

Gonorrhoea is the second most common STI in England and accounted for 15% of new STIs diagnosed in South East residents in 2024. It is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Symptoms vary and may be absent in some people (particularly women). For those who do become symptomatic, symptoms normally start to show about 2 weeks after infection, but in some cases may take months to appear (1). Gonorrhoea can still be transmitted even when a person has no symptoms. Gonorrhoea can lead to complications including infertility if left untreated (2). Cases of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea have become increasingly common (3).

Figure 5. Rates of genital warts per 100,000 South East residents aged 15 to 19 years by gender, 2020 to 2024

Data sources: GUMCAD

Figure 5 is a line chart showing trends in genital warts diagnoses by gender in South East residents aged 15 to 19 years from 2020 to 2024.

In 2020, the first year in the chart, rates were 17.6 per 100,000 females aged 15 to 19 years and 26.2 per 100,000 males aged 15 to 19 years, while in 2024 the equivalent rates were 12.2 for females and 11.1 for males.

The trend seen in the chart needs to be understood within the context of a sustained steep decline in rates over more than a decade to 2020, following the introduction of the HPV vaccination programme for children aged 12 to 13 years (for girls in 2008 and for boys in 2019).

Disruptions to the HPV vaccination programme are known to have occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, and there may have been underdiagnosis during that period due to restricted access to services, especially in 2020 and 2021. In addition, the number of SHS consultations in the 15 to 19 year age group have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, and there is a possibility that underdiagnosis is an ongoing issue for this age group.

Genital warts are small, rough lumps which form around the genital area and anus. This STI is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus which can also cause cancer. It can take from a few weeks to several months for warts to appear after infection. People without symptoms can still pass on the virus (4).

Figure 6. Rates of new STIs per 100,000 South East residents by ethnic group, 2024

Data sources: GUMCAD, CTAD

Figure 6 is a column chart showing rates of new STI diagnoses by ethnic group among South East residents in 2024.

The Black Caribbean ethnic group had the highest new STI diagnosis rate with 1,705 per 100,000 population, followed by the Black African ethnic group (1,258) and all other ethnic groups combined (461). The White ethnic group had the lowest rate (341) and was the only group with a lower rate than in 2023 (370).

It is important to emphasise that ethnic group is not a proxy for country or world region of birth. Ethnicity is a complex concept and is self-identified and reported within the limitations of the available options provided. It may incorporate cultural, religious and linguistic differences as well as differences in physical attributes and world region of origin. People may identify their ethnic group differently in different contexts or over time.

Rates are for all ages and age distributions will differ by ethnic group. The White ethnic group has the oldest age distribution, which will depress its rate as numbers of STI diagnoses in the oldest age groups are lower. Other important determinants, such as deprivation and issues of stigma, also vary by ethnic group. Charts and tables by ethnic group should always be interpreted in the wider context of determinants and never in isolation.

Table 2: Percentage of new STI diagnoses among South East residents by ethnic group, 2024

Data sources: GUMCAD, CTAD

Ethnic group	Number	Percentage (excluding unknown)
All other ethnic groups combined	4,950	14.2%
Black African	1,893	5.4%
Black Caribbean	742	2.1%
White	27,337	78.3%
Unknown	5,782

Table 2 summarises the number of new STI diagnoses by ethnic group and the percentage that each group made up of all new STI diagnoses in 2024 where ethnic group is known.

The White ethnic group accounted for 78% of new STI diagnoses (27,337). All other ethnic groups combined (4,950) represented the second largest proportion of new STI diagnoses where ethnic group is known, accounting for 14%. The Black African ethnic group accounted for 5% of new STI diagnoses (1,893), while Black Caribbean accounted for 2% (742). A total of 14% (5,782) of new STI diagnoses had an unknown ethnic group in 2024.

Figure 7. Percentage of South East residents diagnosed with a new STI by world region of birth [note 2], 2024

Data sources: GUMCAD data only

Note 2: 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.

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Figure 7 is a column chart showing the proportion of South East residents who were diagnosed with a new STI by world region of birth for 2024. This chart is based on diagnoses reported to GUMCAD only, as CTAD, the dataset which reports data about community tests and diagnoses of chlamydia, does not collect information about country of birth. The proportions are calculated using all GUMCAD new STI diagnoses where country of birth was reported.

Over three-quarters of all South East residents diagnosed with a new STI in 2024 were born in the UK (76%). Europe (8%) and other countries (8%) were the second largest groups, followed by Sub-Saharan Africa (6%) and Caribbean / Central and South America (2%).

Migrants are more likely than non-migrants to be working-age adults, rather than older adults, who tend to have a lower incidence of STIs. It is essential to consider the size of a community and its distributions by gender and age when interpreting the proportion of diagnoses in people belonging to that community.

Figure 8. Rates of new STIs per 100,000 South East residents by decile of deprivation [note 3], 2024

Data sources: GUMCAD, CTAD

Note 3: Deciles run from 1 to 10 in order of decreasing deprivation, with 1 being the decile for the most deprived area.

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Figure 8 is a column chart showing the new STI diagnosis rate per 100,000 South East residents by Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) decile in 2024. The deciles are calculated for England as a whole and use lower super output area (LSOA) of residence. The data for this chart is not age-standardised and is thus sensitive to differences in age distribution.

In the South East, new STI diagnosis rate and deprivation have an almost proportional relationship. The most deprived areas, i.e. the lowest IMD deciles, have the highest rates, and the rate falls with each decile. The rate of decile 1 (677) is more than twice that of decile 10 (318).

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

Data sources: GUMCAD data only

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 via online services.

Note: It is important to consider whether there have been any changes to testing or vaccination practices when interpreting increases or decreases in STIs:

Increases in gonorrhoea may be due to the increased use of highly sensitive nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and additional screening of extra-genital sites in GBMSM.

Decreases in genital wart diagnoses may be due to the moderately protective effect of HPV-16/18 vaccination.

Increases in genital herpes diagnoses may be due to the use of more sensitive NAATs.

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Figure 9 is a line chart showing trends in the diagnoses of the 5 main STIs (chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhoea and syphilis) in GBMSM South East residents between 2020 and 2024.

The chart shows that gonorrhoea was the most prevalent STI among GBMSM in 2024 (3,121). Chlamydia, the most prevalent STI in the general population, was the second most common in GBMSM (1,872). All of the 5 main STIs had a higher rate in 2024 when compared to 2020. The number of diagnoses of chlamydia (-10%) and gonorrhoea (-6%) decreased from 2023 to 2024.

Table 3: Percentage change in new STI diagnoses in GBMSM [note 4]  residents in the South East

Data sources: GUMCAD data only

Diagnoses	2023	2024	Percentage change 2023 to 2024
Chlamydia	2,070	1,872	-10%
Genital Herpes	215	233	8%
Genital Warts	230	232	1%
Gonorrhoea	3,321	3,121	-6%
Syphilis	632	660	4%
Other	1,021	1,041	2%
All new STIs	7,489	7,159	-4%

See notes for Figure 9 (including note 4). See New STIs section for a list of diagnoses that are included in the other STIs.

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Table 3 shows the percentage change in the number of diagnoses of all new STIs and the 5 main STIs in GBMSM South East residents from 2023 to 2024.

The number of all new STI diagnoses in GBMSM decreased by 4% from 2023 to 2024. The number of diagnoses of chlamydia (-10%) and gonorrhoea (-6%) also decreased from 2023 to 2024. The remainder of the 5 main STIs and ‘other STIs’ increased from 2023 to 2024, where genital herpes (8%) and syphilis (4%) had the largest increases.

Figure 10. Rate of new STI diagnoses per 100,000 South East residents by upper tier local authority of residence, 2024

Data sources: GUMCAD, CTAD

Figure 10 is a column chart showing the rate of new STI diagnoses per 100,000 South East residents by upper tier local authority of residence in 2024. Local authorities are shown in descending order in relation to their rate of new STI diagnoses. The overall rate for England (632) is represented as a solid horizontal line and the overall rate for the South East (443) is represented as a dashed horizontal line.

4 local authorities in the South East had a rate higher than the average rate for England (632), with Brighton and Hove (1,086) having the highest rate, followed by Portsmouth (699), Reading (695), and Southampton (634). West Berkshire (295) and Wokingham (295) had the lowest rates.

Figure 11. Rate of new STI diagnoses (excluding chlamydia diagnoses in residents aged under 25 years [note 5]) per 100,000 South East residents by upper tier local authority of residence, 2024

Data sources: GUMCAD, CTAD

Note 5: 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.

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Figure 11 is a column chart showing the rate of new STI diagnoses, excluding chlamydia diagnoses in those aged under 25, per 100,000 South East residents by upper tier local authority of residence in 2024. Local authorities are shown in descending order in relation to their rate of new STI diagnoses. The overall rate for England (482) is represented as a solid horizontal line and the overall rate for the South East (331) is represented as a dashed horizontal line.

2 local authorities in the South East had a rate higher than the average rate for England (482) in 2024, with Brighton and Hove (935) and Reading (507) having the highest rates in the region. West Berkshire (203) had the lowest rate.

Figure 12. Chlamydia detection rate per 100,000 female South East residents aged 15 to 24 years by upper tier local authority of residence, 2024

Data sources: GUMCAD, CTAD

Figure 12 is a column chart showing the chlamydia detection rate per 100,000 female South East residents aged 15 to 24 by upper tier local authority of residence in 2024. Local authorities are shown in descending order in relation to their chlamydia detection rate. The overall rate for England (1,589) is represented as a solid horizontal line and the overall rate for the South East (1,311) is represented as a dashed horizontal line.

Prior to 2023, STI Spotlight reports showed chlamydia detection rate unrestricted by gender. In June 2021, the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP) changed its focus to reducing the reproductive health harms from untreated chlamydia infection and adopted a new detection rate indicator (DRI) of 3,250 per 100,000 female population aged 15 to 24 years.

2 local authorities in the South East had a rate higher than the average rate for England (1,589) in 2024, with Portsmouth (2,178) and Reading (1,605) having the highest rates in the region. Windsor and Maidenhead (606) had the lowest rate. None of the local authorities in the South East achieved the detection rate target of 3,250 per 100,000.

Figure 13. Rate of gonorrhoea diagnoses per 100,000 South East residents by upper tier local authority of residence, 2024

Data sources: GUMCAD

Figure 13 is a column chart showing the rate of gonorrhoea diagnoses per 100,000 South East residents by upper tier local authority of residence in 2024. Local authorities are shown in descending order in relation to their rate of gonorrhoea diagnoses. The overall rate for England (124) is represented as a solid horizontal line and the overall rate for the South East (65) is represented as a dashed horizontal line.

Brighton and Hove (260) was the only local authority in the South East with a rate higher than England (124) in 2024. Reading (108), with less than half the rate of Brighton and Hove, had the second highest rate.

Figure 14. Map of new STI rates per 100,000 South East residents by upper tier local authority, 2024

Data sources: GUMCAD, CTAD

Figure 14 is a map showing the rate of new STI diagnoses per 100,000 South East residents by upper tier local authority in 2024. The map is shaded in relation to 7 rate bands, from no diagnoses to 3,000 and above.

In the South East, no local authorities had rates in the 2 highest bands in 2024. Only Brighton and Hove (1,086) had a rate in the third highest band of 1,000 to less than 2,000. Portsmouth (700), Reading (695), Southampton (634), Medway (542), and Slough (541) had rates in the second lowest band of 500 to less than 750. The remaining South East local authorities had rates in the lowest band. Rates tend to be higher in more densely populated urban areas.

Figure 15. STI testing rate (excluding chlamydia in under 25 year olds [note 6]) per 100,000 South East residents, 2012 to 2024

Data sources: GUMCAD, CTAD

Note 6: 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.

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Figure 15 is a line chart showing trends in the STI testing rate per 100,000 South East residents aged 15 to 64 years, excluding chlamydia in those aged under 25 years, between 2012 and 2024.

The rate for the South East (3,191) was below the rate for England (4,089) in 2024 and has consistently been since 2012. The rates for both the South East and England show a noticeable dip in 2020, the main pandemic year, however, both lines shift upward again the year after. The STI testing rate in the South East is still below 2019 and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Figure 16. STI testing positivity rate (excluding chlamydia in under 25 year olds [note 6]) in South East residents, 2012 to 2024

Data sources: GUMCAD, CTAD

Note 6: 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.

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Figure 16 is a line chart showing trends in the STI testing positivity rate in South East residents, excluding chlamydia in those aged under 25 years, between 2012 and 2024.

The proportion of positive tests in the South East (4.9%) is below the positivity in England (6.4%) in 2024 and has consistently been since 2012. In both the South East and England, testing positivity fell in 2021, following the COVID-19 pandemic, before increasing to higher levels than prior to the pandemic in 2022. Compared to 2023, the testing positivity fell in both the South East and England in 2024.

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

Data sources: GUMCAD, CTAD

UKHSA region of residence	GUMCAD Specialist SHSs	GUMCAD Non-specialist SHSs [note 7]	CTAD [note 8]	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

Note 7: Diagnoses from enhanced GPs reporting to GUMCAD are included in the ‘Non-specialist sexual health services (SHSs)’ total.

Note 8: Including site type 12 chlamydia from GUMCAD.

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Table 4 shows the number of new STI diagnoses by the surveillance system through which they were reported for each UKHSA region of residence in 2024. For diagnoses reported to GUMCAD, the table shows whether they were reported by specialist or non-specialist sexual health services (SHSs).

Nearly three-quarters of the 40,704 new STI diagnoses in the South East were reported to GUMCAD by specialist SHSs (29,777), while 6% were reported to GUMCAD by non-specialist SHSs (2,455). Just over a fifth of diagnoses in the South East were reported to CTAD (8,472).

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

Data sources: GUMCAD, CTAD

5 main STIs		GUMCAD Specialist SHSs	GUMCAD Non-specialist SHSs [note 7]	CTAD [note 8]	Total
Chlamydia	9,293	874	8,472	18,639
Genital Herpes	3,875	15		3,890
Genital Warts	3,640	17		3,657
Gonorrhoea	4,624	1,336		5,960
Syphilis	937	1		938

Note 7: Diagnoses from enhanced GPs reporting to GUMCAD are included in the ‘Non-specialist sexual health services (SHSs)’ total.

Note 8: Including site type 12 chlamydia from GUMCAD.

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Table 5 shows the number of diagnoses of the 5 main STIs for South East residents, by the surveillance system through which they were reported, in 2024. For diagnoses reported to GUMCAD, the table shows whether they were reported by specialist or non-specialist sexual health services (SHSs).

CTAD only collects information on chlamydia diagnoses, and represented 45% of chlamydia diagnoses in South East residents in 2024. Most diagnoses of the 5 main STIs were reported by specialist SHS to GUMCAD. A small proportion of diagnoses were reported by non-specialist SHSs, where gonorrhoea was most commonly reported, making up 60% of diagnoses reported by non-specialist SHSs. That is equivalent to 22% of all gonorrhoea diagnoses in the South East in 2024.

Figure 17. Consultations by service medium: South East residents, 2020 to 2024

Data sources: GUMCAD

Figure 17 is a column chart showing the number of sexual health consultations by medium for South East residents between 2020 and 2024.

In 2024, 55% of consultations were face-to-face, followed by 38% online and 7% over telephone. When all consultation mediums are considered, the total number of consultations increased by 27% from 460,202 to 586,237 between 2020 and 2024.

The rise in online consultations can be seen throughout the 5-year period and the medium has established itself as a popular option following the need to facilitate access to services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of online consultations was 54% higher in 2024 than in 2020.

Face-to-face is the most popular medium for sexual health consultations and has been so throughout the 5-year period. The number of face-to-face consultations decreased substantially in 2020 and 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of consultations has since increased, but remaining below pre-pandemic levels for face-to-face consultations.

Consultations by telephone also rose in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. There has not been the same year-on-year increase as online consultations, but telephone remains a popular option. The number of telephone consultations was 69% higher in 2024 than in 2020, and 37% lower in 2024 than in 2023.

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 15 and under 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 15 and under age group. The proportion of STIs in those aged 15 years and under or older than 64 years is very low.

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.

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 and genital warts (first episode)
• Mycoplasma genitalium
• shigella

Calculations

Confidence Intervals were calculated using Byar’s method for numerators >= 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

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.

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

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

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.SEaL@ukhsa.gov.uk.

References

1. NHS Health A to Z. ‘Gonorrhoea’ (accessed 15 December 2025)

2. UKHSA. ‘Gonorrhoea: guidance, data and analysis’ (accessed 15 December 2025)

3. UKHSA. ‘GRASP report: data to September 2025’ (accessed 15 December 2025)

4. NHS Health A to Z. ‘Genital warts’ (accessed 15 December 2025)