Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause long-term damage to general health. Early detection and treatment of STIs reduces the spread of infection and may avoid or delay serious complications and consequences.
Key findings
Where rates are given these are per 100,000 of the population (all ages) and are for 2022:
- In 2022, 4,283 new STIs (excluding chlamydia in under-25s) were diagnosed in the Lancashire-12 area residents, representing a rate of 347 diagnoses per 100,000 population. This rate is significantly better than the England rate (496).
- Across Lancashire-14, Blackpool (913) and Preston (541) have a significantly higher rate of new STI diagnoses (excluding chlamydia in under 25 year olds) compared to England. However, the recent trend shows a declining rate in both local authorities.
- In Blackpool (83.0), South Ribble (72.8), Burnley (63.3), Fylde (61.1), Chorley (58.5) and Lancashire-12 overall (53.2) the diagnosis rate (per 100,000) of first episode genital herpes is significantly higher than the England rate (44.1).
- The Lancashire-12 area (8.5%) and Blackpool (12.9%) have a significantly higher proportion of persons testing positive for STIs (excluding chlamydia in under-25s) than the England average (7.6%); Blackburn with Darwen (7.5%) is similar to the England average. Lancashire-12 area's STI testing rate (1,845.0 per 100,000) is significantly lower than the England average (3,856.1), hence suggesting that while sexual health services in this area may not be testing as many people as the national average they are tending to identify more cases than services elsewhere in England and as such are potentially treating more people.
- In Lancashire-12, the percentage of females, aged 12 to 13 years, vaccinated with one dose of HPV vaccine (71.5%) is higher than the England rate (69.6%); however, this rate is decreasing and getting worse in Lancashire-12 (2021/22).
Please see the chlamydia screening page for further information.
For county and unitary data and further information please see below
Page updated June 2023