Diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections in primary care

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a major public health concern, despite an overall 9% decrease in new diagnoses in 2024 in England. Contributing factors include social deprivation, limited education, stigma and barriers to accessing care. Untreated infections risk serious reproductive and psychological consequences. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive screening, vaccination, contraception access and targeted health education, and prescribers play a key role in promoting equitable access, antimicrobial stewardship and informed patient engagement. Multi-agency collaboration, school-based HPV vaccination, free condom schemes and integrated contraception and STI services are vital to improving sexual health outcomes and reducing health inequalities.