Islington Tops England’s STI Hotspots as Condom Use Declines, Study Finds

A new study by sexual health experts at Condoms UK has revealed Islington as England’s riskiest area for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with a risk score of 94 out of 100, driven by the nation’s highest genital herpes rate (131 cases per 100,000 people). The research, analysing STI diagnosis rates across England’s 50 most populous towns and cities, calculated a unique risk score based on cases per 100,000 residents, highlighting stark regional differences in sexual health risks.

The City of Westminster follows closely with a risk score of 88, recording England’s highest rates of syphilis (125 per 100,000), gonorrhoea (749 per 100,000), and genital warts (135 per 100,000). Archway, also in London, ranks second with a score of 90, meaning three of the top five STI hotspots are in the capital. Liverpool stands out as England’s chlamydia capital, with 2,719 cases per 100,000 people (1 in every 36 residents) 73% higher than the national average of 1,564 cases per 100,000.

England’s top 10 STI hotspots

The study lists the following cities and towns as the riskiest for STIs, based on diagnosis rates per 100,000 people:

1. Islington: 58 syphilis, 724 gonorrhoea, 1,780 chlamydia, 117 genital warts, 131 genital herpes, risk score 94.
2. Archway: 50 syphilis, 397 gonorrhoea, 1,739 chlamydia, 79 genital warts, 82 genital herpes, risk score 90.
3. Blackpool: 26 syphilis, 210 gonorrhoea, 2,383 chlamydia, 62 genital warts, 97 genital herpes, risk score 89.
4. City of Westminster: 125 syphilis, 749 gonorrhoea, 1,400 chlamydia, 135 genital warts, 122 genital herpes, risk score 88.
5. Manchester: 35 syphilis, 276 gonorrhoea, 2,594 chlamydia, 59 genital warts, 54 genital herpes, risk score 84.
6. Nottingham: 16 syphilis, 290 gonorrhoea, 2,287 chlamydia, 60 genital warts, 73 genital herpes, risk score 83.
7. Liverpool: 14 syphilis, 302 gonorrhoea, 2,719 chlamydia, 50 genital warts, 91 genital herpes, risk score 81.
8. Croydon: 28 syphilis, 229 gonorrhoea, 2,152 chlamydia, 53 genital warts, 65 genital herpes, risk score 80.
9. Leeds: 13 syphilis, 188 gonorrhoea, 2,344 chlamydia, 54 genital warts, 45 genital herpes, risk score 68.
10. Newcastle upon Tyne: 21 syphilis, 210 gonorrhoea, 1,410 chlamydia, 48 genital warts, 68 genital herpes, risk score 68.

Why STI rates are rising

Several factors contribute to England’s high STI rates, according to the study:

• Decreased sexual health funding. Sexual health funding has dropped by £200 million over the past decade, with service providers falling from 139 in 2014 to 94 in 2023, limiting access to prevention and treatment services.
• Misconceptions about STI transmission. NHS research shows 70% of women and 50% of men with chlamydia experience no symptoms, leading to undiagnosed infections spreading unknowingly between partners.
• Condom fatigue. A survey by the National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles revealed that one in three people aged 18–35 admitted to not using condoms with new partners, despite knowing the risks, contributing to a trend of reduced condom use in casual or non-exclusive relationships.

Condoms as key protection

Condoms UK emphasises that correct and consistent condom use is the most effective way to prevent STIs. However, common mistakes reduce their effectiveness. The study outlines seven tips for proper condom use:

• Choose the right size to prevent slipping or breaking.
• Store condoms away from heat and friction, avoiding wallets.
• Check expiry dates, as expired condoms lose elasticity.
• Use water-based or silicone-based lubricants, avoiding oil-based products that degrade latex.
• Open condoms carefully to avoid tears.
• Change condoms between different types of sex to reduce STI transmission risks.
• Use condoms consistently with new or non-exclusive partners unless recent STI tests confirm safety.