There is some evidence that the effort being put into STI prevention is having some effect, since although the numbers of new diagnoses are still increasing overall, the rate of increase appears in general to be slowing. Indeed, there was a continuing decrease in the number of diagnoses of gonorrhoea. However, these data must be interpreted with caution, since increasing numbers of people may be seeking care through their GP, particularly as waiting times for GUM clinics are often long.1

The exceptions to this trend towards a slower rate of increase are to be found in the incidence of homosexually acquired infection. The rates of increase in cases which were homosexually acquired has increased for all the major STIs, and poses a particular threat since STIs are known to facilitate the transmission of HIV.2

Historically, most cases of HIV were homosexually acquired but, of newly diagnosed cases, the majority are now heterosexually acquired, with a particularly high incidence in those coming from sub-Saharan Africa.3

There is also a disturbingly high increase in STI rates among teenagers and young adults, especially where chlamydia is concerned.2