Overview

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cause a wide range of illnesses and ill health; they are a significant cause of long term and serious disability, and can lead to premature death. Unwanted pregnancy has a significant human and life-changing impact on individuals, especially teenagers. Teenage pregnancy is a health inequality and social exclusion issue, leading to poor health and social outcomes for the mother and baby. The termination of an unwanted pregnancy can have lasting physical and psychological effects, leading to further health problems in the future. Poor access to sexual health services contributes to the increase in STIs; rapid diagnosis of STIs is important to allow for fast treatment and to prevent more people becoming infected. A person's sexual health is also influenced significantly by their sexual attitudes and behaviour. 

 

Summary profile of local authority sexual health - Lancashire (2023)

 

UK Health Security Agency has also produced a report 'Spotlight on sexually transmitted infections in the North West' (2020), which contains further high-level data and intelligence at an upper-tier authority level.