University freshers urged to use condoms as STI cases remain high

Source: UKHSA, 12 September 2025

Students heading to university for Freshers Weeks are being urged to use condoms to protect themselves and others from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as the UK Health Security Agency’s latest quarterly STI data shows that gonorrhoea and syphilis remain very high in England.

The latest data show signs of an encouraging decline for infectious syphilis cases confirmed in England from January to March 2025, with cases decreasing to an estimated 2,030, down from 2,320 in the previous quarter (October to December 2024). Gonorrhoea diagnoses also dropped to 15,920 from 18,250. The declines are welcome, but health experts warn that cases are declining from a high level and students need to be aware of the risks of STIs.

STIs are most commonly diagnosed amongst those aged 15 to 24 years old, with more than 350 diagnoses every day in this age group in 2024. Common STI symptoms include an unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or anus; pain when peeing; and sores around your genitals or anus.

Although STIs are usually easily treated with antibiotics, many can cause serious health issues if left untreated. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), while syphilis can cause serious, irreversible and potentially life-threatening problems with the brain, heart, or nerves.

Testing for STIs and HIV is free and confidential and can be carried out at your nearest sexual health service, details for which are on the NHS website.

Many sexual health services in England now offer free STI self-sampling kits for people who aren’t showing symptoms and would prefer a routine check-up in the comfort and privacy of their own home.