NEW data has revealed that your postcode could be putting your sexual health at risk.
Sexual health experts at Condoms UK have analysed NHS data to uncover England’s top STI hotspots.
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The study ranked the 50 most populous towns and cities based on diagnosis rates for five common STIs.
To ensure a fair comparison, they calculated the number of cases per 100,000 residents and used those figures to create an STI Risk Index out of 100.
The data highlights where diagnosed individuals live, rather than where they are tested.
The study found that Islington, London tops the list as the riskiest place in England for catching an STI, with a staggering risk score of 94 out of 100.
This is nearly double the national average of 50, meaning residents in this area should exercise extra caution.
Islington also holds the highest rate of genital herpes in England, with 131 cases per 100,000 people.
Archway, an area within the London Borough of Islington, ranked second as one of the riskiest places to have sex, with an index score of 90 out of 100.
The area recorded a chlamydia rate of 1,739 cases per 100,000 residents, with every 89th person diagnosed with genital herpes.
Blackpool came in third with an index score of 89, while the City of Westminster ranked fourth with 88, solidifying London’s dominance in the rankings.
The City of Westminster stands out for all the wrong reasons.
It has the highest rates in England for syphilis (125 cases per 100,000 people), gonorrhoea (749 cases per 100,000 people), and genital warts (135 cases per 100,000 people).
This triple threat cements Westminster’s position as a major STI hotspot, although its relatively low rate of chlamydia prevented it from taking the top spot.
Riskiest spot
The study also revealed that you’re 22 per cent more likely to catch an STI in a university city.
University locations have an average risk score of 68 out of 100, which is more than a fifth higher than the England average of 50.
Blackpool ranks as the third overall riskiest spot, while Liverpool has been identified as England’s chlamydia capital.
On the other end of the spectrum, the study uncovered areas with the lowest STI rates, suggesting residents are being extra vigilant about protection.
Dudley ranked first with the lowest risk score, proving residents in this town prioritise sexual health.
The market town in the Midlands is the safest place to drop your drawers, with a risk score of just 13 out of 100 – four times lower than the national average.
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Dudley also ranked second of all 50 locations for the diagnostic rate of gonorrhoea, with just 54 cases per 100,000 residents.
It is joined in the top five safest places by Northampton, Bradford, Swindon, and Birkenhead, which scored between 17 and 26 out of 100 on the STI Risk Index.
Common STIs
- chlamydia
- gonorrhoea
- trichomoniasis
- genital warts
- genital herpes
- pubic lice
- scabies
- syphilis
- human papillomavirus (HPV)
- HIV
Did you know? STIs can take up to seven weeks after you have unprotected sex to show up on a test. If you do not have symptoms, it’s best to wait seven weeks before getting tested.
Each STI explained…
The NHS has explained each STI…
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) passed on through unprotected sex (sex without a condom). It’s treated with antibiotics. If not treated it can cause serious health problems.
Gonorrhoea is an STI spread through bodily fluids. The bacteria can affect the genitals and bottom, as well as the throat or eyes if they’re in the splash zone.
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis (TV). Symptoms of trichomoniasis usually develop within a month of infection. But up to half of all people will not develop any symptoms (though they can still pass the infection on to others).
Genital warts are small, rough lumps that can appear around the vagina, penis or anus. Treatment for genital warts is not always needed. They sometimes disappear on their own within six months. If treatment is recommended, it will need to be prescribed by a doctor.
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) passed on through vaginal, anal and oral sex. Treatment from a sexual health clinic can help. Symptoms clear up on their own but can come back.
Pubic lice are tiny insects that can live on body hair, especially the pubic hair around the penis or vagina. They’re spread through close body contact, most commonly through sexual contact.
Scabies is an itchy rash caused by mites. It’s spread through close skin contact, and anyone can get it. It should be treated quickly to stop it spreading.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). If it’s not treated, it can cause serious and potentially life-threatening problems.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of a very common group of viruses. They do not cause any problems in most people, but some types can cause genital warts or cancer.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that damages the cells in your immune system and weakens your ability to fight everyday infections and disease.
Treatment for STIs
Most sexually transmitted infections (STIs) need treatment. The treatment you have will depend on which STI you have.
Many STIs are treated with antibiotics. Always finish the course of treatment prescribed for you or it may not work properly.
Do not have sex (including oral sex) until you and your partner or partners have finished treatment.