TL;DR
- Syphilis cases among gay and bi men fell 18.7% in 2025.
- Overall STIs decreased by 8.3%, showing progress.
- Cases among heterosexual women rose by 4.8%.
- Dr. Hamish Mohammed highlights the need for continued action.
- Testing and safe practices remain crucial for all.
In a stunning turn of events, syphilis diagnoses among gay and bisexual men in the UK have plummeted to their lowest level since 2016. According to the latest report from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), there was an impressive 18.7% drop in cases in 2025, reversing a decade-long upward trend. This is not just a win for public health; it’s a victory for the community that has fought hard for safer sex practices.
The numbers tell a compelling story: syphilis cases among gay and bisexual men fell from 6,330 in 2024 to 5,164 in 2025. This follows a troubling rise from 4,126 in 2015 to a peak of 6,330 in 2024. Overall, infectious syphilis diagnoses across all demographics decreased by 13.5%, while sexually transmitted infections (STIs) overall dropped by 8.3%. Talk about a positive sign in the ongoing battle against STIs!
However, it’s not all good news. While the decline among gay and bisexual men is encouraging, cases among heterosexual women actually rose by 4.8%, from 838 cases in 2024 to 878 in 2025. Dr. Hamish Mohammed, a consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, welcomed the decline but urged for continued vigilance. “A positive development that reflects the hard work of sexual health services and community-based organizations,” he stated. Yet, he cautioned that STIs remain high, especially among young people and marginalized communities.
But wait, there’s more! The decline in syphilis cases isn’t an isolated incident. Men who have sex with men also saw drops in gonorrhea and chlamydia diagnoses between 2024 and 2025. Gonorrhea cases fell by 5.9%, from 39,156 to 36,833, while chlamydia diagnoses decreased by 14.4%, from 17,631 to 15,100. This shows that the community is embracing safer practices, and it’s paying off!
Dr. Mohammed emphasized the importance of continued testing and safe practices. “If you have not used condoms with new or casual partners, please get tested for STIs and HIV – even if you have no symptoms. Testing protects both you and your partners,” he advised. This is a crucial reminder that while we celebrate the progress, the fight against STIs is far from over.
In conclusion, the latest UKHSA report highlights a significant decline in syphilis cases among gay and bisexual men, showcasing the effectiveness of community efforts and sexual health services. But the message is clear: we must keep pushing for safer practices and regular testing to ensure these positive trends continue. After all, health is wealth, and we’re all in this together!