In 2023 there were 401,800 cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in England - a third more than in 2020, reports the Daily Mail.
Edemiologist and STD specialist Emma Harding-Ash believes the rise is not just limited to the UK, but worldwide. She attributed the rise in incidence in the under-24 group to the growing popularity of dating apps that make it easier to find a new partner. Sexologist Daniel Richardson added that representatives of this particular group more often have sex under the influence of drugs and forget about protection.
The increase in incidence in the 25 to 34 age group Harding-Ash attributes this not only to dating apps, but also to the use of hormonal contraceptives, which causes women to refuse condoms.
Harding-Ash also attributes the high incidence in the 35 to 44 and 45 to 64 age groups to the increased number of partners due to the availability of dating apps. In addition, according to the specialist, people of this age are poorly informed about STDs.
Gerontology specialist Caroline Abrams added that the incidence in the over-65 group has increased for the same reason.