A town in Devon saw the biggest year-on-year increase in chlamydia cases in England, figures show. Torbay saw a huge jump in chlamydia cases between 2021 and 2022, the MailOnline reports.
The rate of spread of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) soared by 131.5 per cent, which is more than anywhere else in the country. It comes as STI rates across Devon have been on the rise recently.
Figures show that the county saw a 72% rise in syphilis in the same two year period, with cases rising from 2.9 per 100,00 people in 2021 to five per 100,00 people in 2022. Gonorrhoea cases also increased from 20 per 100,00 people in 2021 to 78 per 100,00 people in 2022 – a whopping 285% rise.
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Real figures are likely to be higher because not everyone who catches an STI will get tested. Additionally, some people may also catch chlamydia more than once.
Last month, DevonLive reported that free condoms were being offered to young people under the age of 25 in Devon following a spike in STIs. To help reduce the numbers, the new sexual health service Doink offered free access to condoms as well as dams and lubricant.
At the time, experts said the rising rates could partly be attributed to an increase in chlamydia detection rates amongst those under 25 years old. Chlamydia is considered one of the most common STIs in the UK, partly because most people don’t show any symptoms so they don’t get tested.
When symptoms do occur, they can include pain while peeing. Women might also have pain in the tummy and bleed after sex or between periods. In men, it can include pain and swelling in the testicles.
Symptoms of gonorrhoea usually occur within two weeks of infection and can include unusual discharge from the genitals and a burning sensation when urinating. Syphilis usually takes three weeks for symptoms to show after an infection and often causes small sores to develop on or around the genitals and/or anus, and white warty growths in the same areas.
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
