Public Health Wales’ latest annual report into sexual health has shown greater access and take up of STI testing.  As in other parts of the UK this has meant that Wales has seen an increase in the number of diagnoses of STIs, with a notable rise in diagnoses of gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis.  

The report, ‘Sexual Health in Wales Annual report 2023’, shows a marked increase in tests carried out since the introduction of a postal testing service, which enables people to carry out tests in their own homes. 

Postal testing for STIs has been particularly popular with the younger age groups, 15-24 and 25-34 yr olds, and means that STI surveillance has greater sensitivity as a result. The majority of cases of STIs diagnosed are in these age groups.   

Regular testing for STIs and HIV is essential to maintain good sexual health. This ensures that early treatment can be provided, as well as avoiding the spread of infection. Public Health Wales advises that everyone who has condomless sex with new or casual partners should get an STI screen including an HIV test at least once a year,  even if they don’t have any symptoms.   

Further information