Those at risk
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) - are a significant public health concern. STIs are often considered to be stigmatising and may seriously impact the health and wellbeing of affected individuals.
Those more likely to be at risk:
- More likely to be young people, 15-24 (females 7 times, males 3.5 times more likely than older groups – 25-64)
- Young women more likely, partly due to engagement with screening
- Men who have sex with men (MSM) (higher risk)
- BAME communities higher risk
- Deprivation risk (maybe gendered norms)
Young people aged 15 to 24 years old experience the highest diagnosis rates of the most common STIs, likely due to higher rates of partner change. Young women are more likely to be diagnosed with an STI than young men, partly due to greater uptake of chlamydia screening through the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP), as well as sexual mixing between younger women and older male partners.
The rise in syphilis, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia diagnoses among MSM (men-who-have-sex-with-men) is probably primarily associated with behavioural changes such as an increase in partner numbers and condomless anal intercourse with new or casual partners.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) - The number of people in the England having a HIV test in sexual health services has risen by 10% from 2021 to 2022 (UKHSA, 2023) however this is still less than pre-pandemic levels.
Highest levels of testing are for GBMSM (Gay, bisexual and other men-who-have-sex-with-men) and the lowest heterosexual males and bisexual women. 2022 highest ever rate of testing for MSM group but fall in women and BAME communities.
Partner notification shows higher positivity than HIV test positivity.
There is continued stigma around testing, and public stigma around HIV. This may be strongest for MSM who may already be stigmatized, and those from the BAME community.
Reproductive health
Teenage pregnancy is both a cause and consequence of health and education inequalities.
Teenagers have the highest rate of unplanned pregnancy with disproportionately poor outcomes. Child poverty and unemployment are the two area deprivation indicators with the strongest influence on under– 18 conception rates.
Abortion rates increase as levels of deprivation increase.
Reproductive experiences and choices for women are embedded in and influenced by societal constructs. There is growing evidence that women do not feel listened to or at times taken seriously with regards to their own reproductive health.