Students warned at start of term
As thousands of students head to universities for Freshers Week, health officials are warning them to use condoms and take care of their sexual health.
The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain high in England, particularly among young people aged 15 to 24.
In 2024, more than 350 diagnoses were recorded each day in this age group. Although the first quarter of 2025 brought a small fall in gonorrhoea and syphilis cases, experts stress that levels remain alarmingly high. Gonorrhoea diagnoses dropped to 15,920, down from 18,250 the previous quarter, while syphilis cases fell to 2,030 from 2,320.
Risks and symptoms
STIs often present with symptoms such as unusual discharge, pain when urinating, or sores around the genitals or anus. While most infections can be treated with antibiotics, untreated cases can cause serious complications. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea can lead to infertility or pelvic inflammatory disease, while syphilis can damage the brain, heart and nervous system.
Dr Hamish Mohammed, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “Starting university is an exciting time – don’t let getting an STI ruin the fun. Using condoms is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk.” He urged anyone experiencing symptoms after condomless sex to seek testing.
Tackling barriers to condom use
Charities working with students highlight that embarrassment can prevent young people from discussing safe sex with partners. Laura Domegan, Head of Nursing at Brook, said: “No one should be embarrassed or ashamed for wanting to take care of their sexual health. Talking about condoms with your partner before sex makes it much more likely you’ll use them in the moment.”
Domegan encouraged students to normalise conversations about sexual health among friends, helping to reduce stigma and increase confidence.
Rising concerns over resistance
Gonorrhoea is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, raising fears it could become untreatable in the future. This makes early detection and treatment essential. Many sexual health services now provide free self-sampling kits for routine checks, which can be ordered online and carried out at home.
Students noticing unusual symptoms are advised to contact local sexual health services immediately for confidential testing and treatment.
Vaccinations alongside condoms
UKHSA also reminded freshers to ensure they are up to date with key vaccinations. These include the HPV vaccine, which protects against most cervical cancers and some other cancers; the MenACWY jab, which guards against four strains of meningitis; and the MMR vaccine.
Students are also encouraged to be alert to meningitis symptoms, which can develop quickly and become life-threatening. Hepatitis A and B, gonorrhoea and mpox vaccines are also offered to higher-risk groups through sexual health services.
Message for freshers
With Freshers Week underway, health authorities emphasise that safe sex is essential to protecting both individual wellbeing and public health. The message is clear: using condoms, testing regularly, and staying up to date with vaccinations can help students enjoy university life while reducing the risk of serious infections.
