Genital Herpes Diagnoses Rise 3% in England During 2025 as Overall STIs Decline
New diagnoses of genital herpes in England rose by 3% in 2025, reaching almost 29,000 cases, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This increase stands in contrast to an overall 8% decline in other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during the same period, with total diagnoses falling from approximately 364,000 to 334,000.
While infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis saw decreases, the persistent rise in herpes cases underscores the ongoing challenge of STI transmission. Health experts emphasise the importance of regular testing, particularly given that genital herpes can spread through skin-to-skin contact, including during sexual activity, even in the absence of visible symptoms.
Vulnerable Populations and Testing Concerns
Despite the overall reduction in STI cases, rates remain elevated among young individuals and gay and bisexual men. Data also revealed divergent trends; syphilis diagnoses among gay and bisexual men dropped by 19% to their lowest level since 2016, yet cases among heterosexual women increased by 5%.
Chlamydia continues to be the most prevalent STI, accounting for nearly half of all diagnoses. However, chlamydia testing saw a 9% decrease in 2025, a development that Dr Hamish Mohammed, a consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, described as concerning. Untreated chlamydia can lead to serious health complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.
Dr Mohammed advised, "If you have had sex with a new or casual partner without a condom, it's important to get tested – even if you don't have symptoms." He specifically urged sexually active young women to test for chlamydia annually or after engaging with a new partner. Condom use remains a critical preventative measure against the transmission of many STIs. Free and confidential testing is available through local sexual health clinics and discreet self-sampling kits.
