Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been rising in London for a number of years.

Compared to the rest of England, the capital has the highest rate of new STIs, rising in some populations by 91% between 2011 and 2015. Some STIs have increased by as much as 210% and are showing signs of resistance to frontline antibiotic treatment.

The number of new STIs diagnosed in London residents rose overall by 2% between 2014 and 2015. Syphilis increased by 22%, gonorrhoea by 15%, chlamydia by 2% and genital herpes by 3%.

Regular screening for STIs, including HIV, is important, especially after sex with new or casual partners.

You can protect yourself against STIs, including HIV, by using a condom during sex. Condoms will also help prevent you passing on an infection if you have one. Before deciding to stop using condoms, you and your partner should be tested for STIs and HIV.

You can find further information on sexual health and where to find your local sexual health clinic through the NHS website.

For more information about condom use and to purchase low cost condoms please visit the Freedoms Shop.

Read our Safer Sex Questions here.