New figures released by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) show there were almost 500,000 new STI diagnoses in the UK in 2009.
The figure stands at 482,696 based on data collected from UK sexual health clinics, up from 470,701 in 2008.
While the findings show young women to be the social group most at risk, it also shows a worryingly high rate of STI diagnosis in gay men. In men generally, over half of new STI diagnoses in 2009 were in those aged 25 and under.
"These latest figures show that poor sexual health is a serious problem among the UK's young adults and men who have sex with men," confirms Dr Gwenda Hughes, head of the HPA. "Many studies have shown that young adults are more likely to have unsafe sex and often they lack the skills and confidence to negotiate safer sex.
"Re-infection is also a worrying issue - the numbers we're seeing in teenagers are of particular concern as this suggests teenagers are repeatedly putting their own, as well as others', long term health at risk from STIs."
Speaking out after the release of the figures, Sir Nick Partridge, Chief Executive of HIV and AIDS awareness charity Terrence Higgins Trust claimed: “It’s staggering that almost half a million people each year are affected by preventable sexually transmitted infections.
"Gay men continue to top the list, accounting for two thirds of syphilis and over a third of gonorrhea diagnoses last year, while being only 6% of the population.
"We know about the risks of HIV transmission and these figures show that it’s just as important to be aware of STIs too. Getting an STI, like chlamydia or gonorrhea, makes it’s much easier to pick up or pass on other, more serious infections, including HIV.
"We know how to reduce the risks: enjoy safer sex, use condoms, and if you’ve had unsafe sex go to a GUM or community testing clinic. All sexually active gay men should have a full sexual health screen and an HIV test at least once a year. We can - and we must - improve our sexual health."
