Gonorrhoea cases in Sheffield almost double, with more than 600 people diagnosed in a year

The number of reported cases of gonorrhoea in Sheffield rose from 340 in 2016 to 645 last year - a rise of 89 percent, according to new statistics from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Chlamydia remains the most prevalent of the diseases, accounting for 2,969 cases last year, while the number of new HIV infections diagnosed has reduced.

A spokesperson for the trust said that the rise in gonorrhoea is in line with national trends.

They stated that increased access to sexually transmitted infections (STI) testing may partially account for the increase, adding: “The Sexual Health Sheffield Service and Sheffield City Council continue to work together to monitor all STI diagnoses in the city and take prompt action to address any increases in numbers of cases outside of what we usually expect to see.”

The city’s sexual health services have been overhauled recently, with the aim of making tests, treatment and contraception more accessible.

STI self-testing kits are now available in the Moor Market, and an online postal testing kit has been introduced to help people get tested earlier.

As well as as the kits, the trust has introduced six new community sexual health ‘hubs’.

The spokesperson added: “The sexual health service prevention and promotion team work across the city to provide education sessions, information and advice to tell people about the importance of prevention, what symptoms to look out for and where to seek support.

“Sheffield City Council increased the amount of funding into the provision of sexual health and contraception services in the city during 2019/20, to widen access and choice for people seeking support.”

“It is really important for people to think about their sexual health and be as pro-active as possible to prevent becoming infected with an STI, this is not only important for their own health but also to protect others by not passing on infections. “Common STIs can be easily treated if people seek support to get tested.

For more information, see: http://www.sexualhealthsheffield.nhs.uk/