Don’t let an STI spoil the fun

Coming to university is exciting: new independence, new friends, and for many, new sexual relationships. But as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reminds us, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a very real risk for students. Starting university is a chance to look after yourself as well as enjoy everything college life has to offer – and that includes your sexual health.

STI rates remain high in young people

UKHSA’s latest data show that gonorrhoea and syphilis diagnoses remain high in England. There are signs of improvement: syphilis cases fell from 2,320 (October–December 2024) to 2,030 (January–March 2025), and gonorrhoea cases dropped from 18,250 to 15,920 in the same period. But health experts warn that these figures are still at very high levels.

STIs are most commonly diagnosed in people aged 15–24, with over 350 new diagnoses every single day in this age group during 2024. That’s a clear signal: students need to be alert, informed, and proactive.

Why it matters

Many STIs can be treated easily with antibiotics, but untreated infections may have lasting consequences. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Syphilis, if ignored, can damage the brain, heart, and nerves, sometimes irreversibly. Gonorrhoea is also becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics – raising the risk of it becoming untreatable in future.

What to look out for

Common STI symptoms include:

• Unusual discharge from the vagina, penis, or anus
• Pain or burning when peeing
• Sores, blisters, or itching around your genitals or anus

Not all infections cause symptoms. The only way to know for certain is to get tested.

Testing is easy, free, and confidential

STI and HIV tests are available free through NHS sexual health services. If you don’t have symptoms, many areas offer postal self-sampling kits that you can complete at home. If you do have symptoms, you should attend a clinic in person to be examined and treated.

You don’t need to go through your GP if you’d rather not – services are confidential, and you can find your nearest clinic through the NHS website.

Condoms: still your best protection

Dr Hamish Mohammed, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, says:

Condoms protect against STIs and pregnancy. You can buy them easily or access free supplies through clinics and sometimes student wellbeing teams.

Talking about condoms without awkwardness

Laura Domegan, Head of Nursing at Brook, acknowledges that students often find it awkward to raise the subject of condoms with a new partner:

She also suggests practising these conversations with friends, to help normalise condom use and make it feel easier.

Don’t forget your vaccinations

UKHSA also urges all students to check they’re up to date with free NHS vaccines before starting the academic year:

• HPV vaccine – protects against most cervical cancers and some other cancers affecting all genders. Free up to age 25 if missed at school.
• MenACWY vaccine – protects against four types of meningitis. Free up to age 25 if you missed it in school.
• MMR vaccine – protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.

Other vaccines, including those against hepatitis A and B, mpox, and sometimes gonorrhoea, may be offered at sexual health clinics for people at higher risk, such as gay and bisexual men with multiple partners.

Key takeaway for students

• Use condoms consistently with new or casual partners.
• Get tested if you have symptoms or after condomless sex.
• Order a free self-sampling kit for peace of mind.
• Stay up to date with your vaccines.
• Remember: taking care of your sexual health is normal, responsible, and nothing to be embarrassed about.

University is about making connections, having fun, and trying new things. Protect yourself and your partners so you can enjoy the start of term without unnecessary worries.