Worrying ‘Victorian disease’ STI on the rise as it hits highest rate in 80 years
Doctors have noticed a spike in a 'Victorian' disease across the UK; here's what you need to know.
Unlike an accidental pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can only be prevented through the use of condoms, an item we recently learned may soon become more expensive due to the fallout of the Iran war.
According to data shared by chemist4u, there were around 364,750 STI diagnoses in the UK in 2024.
Most STI cases are usually Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea or Genital Herpes, ones which you'll likely remember learning about in your secondary school sex education classes.
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However, recent research conducted by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) revealed that syphilis has made a resurgence in recent years, with current rates being the highest since the 1940s.
When most people think of syphilis, they're likely to think of historical figures such as gangster Al Capone, Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler and philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who were all rumoured to have either had or died from the disease.
Not even royalty were immune from the disease, as King Henry VIII was even rumoured to have had syphilis – although this was never definitively proven.
However, the disease is still very much around.
"Syphilis cases in England are now at their highest level in decades, and the harm caused by late or missed diagnosis is entirely preventable," Dr Katy Sinka, head of the STI section at UKHSA, said of the statistics (via Pulse).
"This response plan sets out how UKHSA will work to reverse that trend by providing the data, evidence and health protection expertise needed to reduce transmission, prevent complications and move towards eliminating congenital syphilis."
What is syphilis – and what are the symptoms?
Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum and is transmitted through unprotected sex with an infected person.
According to the NHS, the first symptoms of syphilis are usually small, painless sores which can be difficult to notice.
As the disease progresses, patients will develop symptoms such as:
- white or grey warty growths most commonly on your penis, vagina or around your anus
- a rash on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet that can sometimes spread all over your body – this is not usually itchy
- white patches in your mouth
- flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, headaches and tiredness
- swollen glands
- patchy hair loss on the head, beard and eyebrows
It can take between a few weeks and a few months for the latter symptoms to develop.
The infection is treated through antibiotics, however, if left untreated in the system, it can lead to further complications, such as damage to the brain, heart and nerves. Structural collapse of the nasal bridge can also occur, and pregnant women can also pass on the disease to their children.
Why are syphilis rates on the rise?
According to UKHSA, Dr Helen Fifer, the rise in syphilis rates is down to a combination of ambiguous initial symptoms and the public believing it's a historical disease.
"Syphilis wouldn’t be the top of your list when you’re looking after a patient, especially if you’re not thinking syphilis is around," Fifer told iNews.
When it comes to combatting rising syphilis rates, doctors are looking at offering an antibiotic to be taken after a person has unprotected sex, similar to the morning-after pill.
Known as doxyPEP (doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis), the pill would be taken ideally within 24 hours of having unprotected sex with a new partner.
The treatment is currently offered to gay men, however the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV have since suggested that the treatment be offered to men and women regardless of sexual orientation if they have multiple partners.
Topics: Health, UK News, Sex and Relationships
Brenna Cooper