The United Kingdom is currently facing a major public health challenge: a dramatic surge in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly among its younger citizens. This troubling trend is raising concern among healthcare professionals, educators, and policymakers alike. According to recent data from the UK Health Security Agency, over 400,000 new STI diagnoses were recorded in England in 2023 alone. This figure represents a 5% increase compared to the previous year, and it’s part of a broader pattern that’s been building steadily over the past decade.
What’s particularly alarming is that this increase is not evenly distributed across all age groups. A large proportion of these new cases are found among young people, especially those in their teens and twenties. These individuals make up the heart of Generation Z—a tech-savvy, socially progressive generation that is also, paradoxically, showing risky patterns of sexual behavior. Among the most concerning of these trends is the sharp decline in condom use.
While condoms remain one of the most effective tools for preventing STIs, their use among Gen Z has declined significantly in recent years. Many young adults report forgoing protection in favor of other forms of birth control, or because they perceive STIs as less of a threat in the modern age. There’s also a growing belief among some that sex should be “natural” and uninterrupted, contributing to a casual attitude toward protection.
The Rise in STI Rates
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been on a steady rise in the United Kingdom, and 2023 marked another alarming year. Among all the STIs reported, chlamydia was the most commonly diagnosed. It accounted for nearly 48% of all new cases, making it a major concern for public health officials. Chlamydia often shows no symptoms, which means many people may unknowingly spread the infection to others. If left untreated, it can cause serious long-term health problems such as infertility, especially in women.
Read more: Managing Herpes at the Workplace: Disclosure, Stigma, and Rights
Gonorrhoea was the second most reported STI, making up about 15% of new diagnoses. What’s even more concerning is the sharp increase in gonorrhoea cases. In 2022, there were 79,268 diagnoses, but by 2023, that number had climbed to 85,223—a 7.5% increase in just one year. This figure represents the highest number of annual gonorrhoea cases recorded since official reporting began more than a century ago in 1918. This dramatic rise is raising red flags across healthcare and government institutions alike.
In addition, syphilis, once thought to be under control, is making a comeback. Cases of syphilis have steadily increased over the last decade, and this trend shows no sign of slowing down. The resurgence of this infection, known for its long-term complications if untreated, underscores the urgent need for renewed public health initiatives and education campaigns.
Decline in Condom Use Among Gen Z
One of the most pressing issues fueling the rise in STI rates across the UK is the steady decline in condom use, especially among Generation Z — those born between the late 1990s and early 2010s. This group includes teenagers and young adults who are navigating relationships, sexuality, and intimacy in a rapidly changing social and digital landscape.
Condoms have long been considered a frontline defense against sexually transmitted infections. But despite years of public health messaging, their use is dropping significantly among younger generations. A recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed a marked decrease in condom use among sexually active adolescents since 2014. This isn’t just a minor dip — it reflects a serious shift in attitudes toward protection, with rates of unprotected sex now at worryingly high levels.
The trend is especially alarming in the United Kingdom. According to recent surveys, only 11% of people reported always using condoms during sexual activity. That means the vast majority — nearly 9 out of 10 — are leaving themselves vulnerable to infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and HIV.
This decline may be linked to a variety of social, cultural, and technological changes. As sexual norms evolve, many young people report prioritizing emotional connection or contraception over STI prevention. Others simply believe that condoms are uncomfortable, unnecessary, or that using them reduces intimacy. At the same time, dating apps and hookup culture may encourage faster-paced relationships, where conversations about protection can be overlooked.
Another factor may be a false sense of security — many Gen Z individuals believe that with modern medicine and treatment options, STIs aren’t as dangerous as they once were. Unfortunately, this underestimation of risk is allowing infections to spread more freely than in previous decades.
What’s clear is that the declining use of condoms among Gen Z is a major contributor to the UK’s current STI epidemic. Without a renewed focus on education, awareness, and access, these numbers are likely to keep climbing.
Factors Influencing Condom Use Decline
Several factors contribute to the reduced use of condoms among Gen Z.
One major reason is the widespread availability of alternative contraception methods, such as birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and implants. While these methods are highly effective in preventing pregnancy, they offer no protection against STIs. Many young people mistakenly believe that since they are using birth control, condoms are unnecessary.
Another factor contributing to this trend is the lack of comprehensive sex education in schools. While sex education is part of the UK curriculum, many schools provide outdated or incomplete information. In many cases, discussions about STI prevention and the importance of condom use are overshadowed by lessons focused primarily on pregnancy prevention.
There is also a widespread belief among Gen Z that STIs are uncommon or that they won’t personally be affected. This “it won’t happen to me” mentality leads many young people to engage in risky sexual behaviors without considering the potential consequences. The decline in fear surrounding HIV has further contributed to this trend.
Public Health Implications
The decline in condom use and the consequent rise in STI rates have significant implications for public health. Health officials warn that if these risky behaviors persist, the UK could face one of its worst STD crises in modern history. The healthcare system is already struggling to keep up with rising cases, and the increased prevalence of STIs could lead to more severe health complications and higher healthcare costs.
Addressing the Crisis
To combat the rising STI rates in the UK, several key steps must be taken through a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to public health.
One of the most important strategies is enhancing sex education. Schools need to implement programs that go beyond the basics of reproduction and focus on the full spectrum of sexual health. These programs should emphasize the importance of using condoms not only as a means of preventing pregnancy but also as a critical tool in the fight against STIs. Gen Z must be educated on the realities of infection risk and empowered with the knowledge to make safer decisions.
In addition to education, public health campaigns play a vital role. Targeted awareness initiatives that address the specific concerns and behaviors of young people are essential. These campaigns must be relatable, engaging, and informative, making use of digital platforms where Gen Z is most active. By dispelling myths and changing perceptions around condom use, such efforts can gradually shift attitudes and encourage more responsible choices.
Equally important is improving access to sexual health services. Young people must be able to access STI testing, treatment, and preventative tools like condoms without stigma or barriers. This includes expanding community clinics, offering confidential services, and ensuring that free or low-cost condoms are widely available in schools, universities, and other public spaces. Making these resources accessible and normalizing their use can significantly reduce STI transmission rates.
Conclusion
The surge in STI rates in the UK, particularly among Gen Z, underscores the urgent need for renewed focus on sexual health education and prevention strategies. By addressing the factors contributing to the decline in condom use and implementing comprehensive public health measures, it is possible to reverse this troubling trend and promote healthier sexual behaviors among young people.
