Almost 18,000 cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were notified to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) in 2022 – a jump of 22% when compared with pre-pandemic figures in 2019.

According to the latest figures from the HPSC, a total of 17,862 cases were notified last year compared to 14,553 in 2019.

The number of cases of gonorrhea jumped by 45% during this time - from 2,805 in 2019 to 4,075 in 2022. The number of cases of chlamydia increased by almost 20% - from 9,169 in 2019 to 10,955 in 2022.

The HSE said that there are a number of factors contributing to this, including the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions. There have also been big improvements in access to testing, with a free STI home testing kit now available to order online for anyone aged 17 and older.

“The HSE home testing service has really improved access to testing no matter where people live. It is convenient to use and is proving very popular with the public. This has led to an increase in detection of STIs. We estimate now that more than one third of all chlamydia cases and nearly a quarter of gonorrhoea cases were detected via this testing service in 2022,” explained Prof Fiona Lyons, medical director/clinical lead in sexual health with the HSE’s Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme.

She said that STIs are common, particularly chlamydia, herpes and gonorrhea, and increases have been recorded nationwide. However, some key populations and communities are particularly affected.

“STIs continue to disproportionately affect gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, and young people less than 25 years of age,” Prof Lyons noted.

Dr Derval Igoe, a specialist in public health medicine with the HSPC reminded people that “consistent condom use, particularly when changing partners, is key for prevention”.

“So too is availing of testing following unprotected sex, which helps in early detection and treatment and prevents passing on infections to others,” she added.

The at-home STI testing kit can be ordered here.