Displaying items by tag: sexual health

NHS England will become the first health system in the world to offer routine vaccination against gonorrhoea, as infections reach record highs. Targeting those most at risk, primarily gay and bisexual men with a history of multiple partners, the vaccine is expected to begin rollout through sexual health clinics in August. Adapted from the MenB meningitis vaccine, it is estimated to reduce gonorrhoea risk by 30–40%. Though not originally designed for STIs, the bacteria responsible for gonorrhoea is closely related to the meningitis B strain. England recorded over 85,000 cases in 2023—the highest since records began in 1918. The spread of antibiotic-resistant strains has heightened concerns, making prevention more vital than ever. If uptake is strong, the vaccine could prevent 100,000 cases and save the NHS £8 million over ten years. Public health leaders in Scotland and Northern Ireland are exploring similar programmes. Experts emphasise that while not a cure-all, the vaccine marks a significant step in reducing the spread of a challenging and increasingly drug-resistant infection.

Sexual health clinics across the UK are facing a crisis, leading to the rationing of condoms and a reduction in services. The budget for sexual health has been slashed by £64 million since 2014, resulting in staff shortages and closures of clinics. As a consequence, access to essential services like testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), contraception, and HIV prevention is increasingly limited. Experts warn that the cuts are counterproductive, potentially leading to higher long-term healthcare costs and unplanned pregnancies and reducing HIV transmission. Patients are now often required to demonstrate symptoms before being seen, leading to many asymptomatic individuals going undiagnosed and untreated. This situation is especially concerning given the rise in antibiotic-resistant strains of STIs. This crisis in sexual health services also raises issues of inequality, as the most affected are often young, LGBTQ+, or from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Advocates are calling for urgent government action to address the funding shortfall and prevent further deterioration of these vital services.