STI Rates in Newcastle and North East England Remain Among Highest in Country Despite Drop in Cases.

Sexually transmitted infections remain a major public health challenge across Newcastle and North East England, despite a slight fall in overall diagnoses during the past year, according to newly released health figures.

Data published by the UK Health Security Agency shows there were 14,847 new STI diagnoses among North East residents during 2025, giving the region one of the highest infection rates in England.

The figures reveal the North East recorded 548 new STI diagnoses per 100,000 people, making it the third highest UKHSA region nationally.

While overall diagnoses dropped by six per cent compared with 2024, health experts say some infections, particularly syphilis, remain significantly higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to cause serious concern across the region heading into 2026.

Newcastle upon Tyne recorded the highest STI diagnosis rate in the North East, with 893 cases per 100,000 residents, far above neighbouring areas such as Northumberland, which recorded 370 cases per 100,000 population.

Health officials say younger people remain disproportionately affected, with residents aged between 15 and 24 accounting for half of all new STI diagnoses across the region.

Syphilis Rates In North East England Continue To Alarm Health Experts.

Although syphilis diagnoses fell slightly during 2025, rates across the North East remain above the national average.

Health officials recorded 20 syphilis diagnoses per 100,000 people in the region compared with the England average of 17 per 100,000.

The situation is particularly concerning among younger age groups.

Among North East residents aged 15 to 19, the syphilis diagnosis rate was more than double the national figure. Cases among those aged 20 to 24 were also significantly higher than the England average.

Public health specialists say the rise highlights ongoing concerns around sexual health awareness, testing access and changing sexual behaviour patterns following the disruption caused by the pandemic.

Regional health organisations, including NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, are now working alongside UKHSA and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities on targeted sexual health campaigns aimed at younger people throughout 2026.

A specialist regional steering group has also been created to tackle the rise in syphilis cases and improve prevention strategies across the North East.

Gonorrhoea Cases Fall But Remain Higher Than Before Pandemic.

The latest figures also show gonorrhoea diagnoses in the North East fell by 18 per cent during 2025 compared with the previous year.

Despite the decline, experts warn case numbers remain much higher than levels seen before COVID-19 restrictions disrupted testing services and healthcare access.

Young adults continue to be one of the most affected groups.

Health officials said the rate of gonorrhoea among North East residents aged 20 to 24 dropped sharply during 2025 and is now close to the national average.

However, among teenagers aged 15 to 19, infection rates across the region remain significantly higher than elsewhere in England.

Researchers believe changing sexual behaviour, increased testing and easier access to online sexual health services may all be influencing diagnosis patterns.

Chlamydia Still The Most Common STI Across Newcastle And North East England.

Chlamydia remains by far the most frequently diagnosed sexually transmitted infection in the region.

The infection accounted for more than half of all new STI cases recorded during 2025 and represented two-thirds of infections among people aged 15 to 24.

Health experts continue to stress the importance of regular testing because untreated chlamydia can lead to serious long-term health complications, particularly for women.

Potential complications include pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and ectopic pregnancy.

The National Chlamydia Screening Programme encourages sexually active people under 25 to test regularly, especially when changing sexual partners.

However, the latest report showed the North East’s chlamydia detection rate among young women fell slightly during 2025 and remains below recommended national targets.

Public health officials say improving testing uptake remains a key priority across Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham and wider North East communities heading into 2026.

Online Sexual Health Services Continue To Grow.

The report also highlighted major changes in how people across the North East access sexual health services.

While face-to-face appointments remain the most common form of consultation, online testing and advice services continue growing rapidly.

More than 144,000 sexual health consultations were recorded across the region during 2025, representing an increase of 4.5 per cent compared with the previous year.

Around one-third of those consultations took place online.

Health experts say online self-testing kits and digital consultations have improved access for many people, particularly younger adults who may feel more comfortable accessing services remotely.

However, specialists also warn that changing healthcare habits may affect diagnosis trends and transmission patterns in ways that are still not fully understood.

Gay And Bisexual Men Continue To Face Higher STI Risks.

The report found gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men continue to be disproportionately affected by several sexually transmitted infections across the North East.

Where sexual orientation was known, this group accounted for more than half of male syphilis and gonorrhoea cases recorded during 2025.

Health services across Newcastle and the wider region continue promoting HIV prevention measures including PrEP, regular testing and vaccination programmes throughout 2026.

Vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and HPV remain available through specialist sexual health services for people considered at higher risk.

Officials are also encouraging awareness of doxyPEP, a preventative antibiotic treatment increasingly used to reduce syphilis risk in certain groups.

Health Officials Urge People To Prioritise Regular Testing.

Despite improvements in access to services since the pandemic, health leaders say early diagnosis remains one of the most effective ways to reduce STI transmission across the North East.

Specialists continue encouraging people to use condoms consistently, attend regular screenings and seek medical advice quickly if symptoms develop.

They also stress that many STIs can show no symptoms at all, meaning infections can spread unknowingly without routine testing.

Sexual health clinics across Newcastle and North East England continue offering free and confidential services, including STI testing, contraception, vaccinations and HIV prevention support.

Do you think enough is being done to tackle rising STI rates across Newcastle and North East England? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion about sexual health awareness in 2026.

Have you noticed more awareness campaigns around STI testing in the North East recently? Let us know your views and help spread important sexual health information across the region.