Ages most impacted by sexually transmitted diseases revealed

One generations is facing a shocking rise in the number of sexually transmitted diseases, according to new reseach.

Calls to massively overhaul the sex education system in Australia are likely to become louder on the back of new data showing sexually transmitted diseases are spiking.

The National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System has reported a huge rise in chlamydia and gonorrhoea infections across Australia – with the 15 to 29-year-old category making up the majority of those exposed.

This age group accounted for half of all gonorrhoea cases and 67 per cent of all chlamydia infections – with the sexually transmitted disease rising by more than 15,000 cases compared to 2021.

In 2023, there were 30,112 confirmed cases of gonorrhoea, compared to 20,699 in 2021.

National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System have reported a huge rise in chlamydia and gonorrhoea infections across Australia – with the 15 to 29-year-old category making up the majority of it. Picture: iStock

The statistics are even more disturbing as most people who have chlamydia show no symptoms at all, according to Health Direct, but symptoms can include abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis, spotting between periods or swelling in the testicles.

Gonorrhoea typically impacts the genital tract, presenting symptoms such as painful urinations, puss-like discharge from the tip of the penis or abdominal pain.

But, it can also impact the eyes, throat, joints and rectum, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Associate Professor Caitlin Keighley, who is a microbiologist and an ambassador for Pathology Awareness Australia, said: “Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are highly transmissible and have long-term ramifications, making them of high public health importance.

“If left undiagnosed, both can have long-term negative health consequences, such as infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease.”

She highlighted the importance of regular testing, with the minimum being at least once a year, which involves anything from a urine sample, to blood tests or swab tests of your throat, rectum or vagina.

“To stem the spread of these infections, sexual health education needs to be prioritised in schools, healthcare settings, and community programs,” Associate Professor Keighley said.

There has been a massive spike in two STIs in Australia. Picture: iStock

“By promoting safe sex practices, regular testing, and raising awareness about the risks associated with STIs, we can proactively prevent further transmission in the future.”

She partially attributed the rise in these sexually transmitted illnesses to Covid-19.

“There was a lack of sexual health education that occurred during the pandemic period due to difficulty communicating these messages effectively online,” she said.

“In addition, there was a decrease in GP attendance, which resulted in undiagnosed infections, therefore transmitted, and overall decreased vigilance or concern about contracting an STI.”

She urged people to practice safe sex with Lisa Harrison, Director of Nursing and Health Services and Nurse Practitioner for True, adding that sex education in schools provides the biggest opportunity to spread awareness in young adults.