A new study has revealed the most common sexually transmitted infections in Bexley, Greenwich and Bromley.

More than 117,500 new STIs were diagnosed in London residents in 2016, representing a rate of 1,355 diagnoses per 100,000 population.

In Bexley, people aged between 15 and 25 were seven times more like to catch chlamydia than any other STI.

Figures show 1,173 young people out of 100,000 contracting it in the last year, compared to 166 over 25s.

Overall, 259 people per 100,000 of Bexley’s population were diagnosed with chlamydia in the past year, which is below the average for London.

Only 63 people per 100,000 were diagnosed with gonorrhoea.

Bromley has a much higher number of young people contracting chlamydia, with 2,239 per 100,000 residents, compared to 224 over 25s.

People aged between 15 and 25 were nearly 10 times more likely to catch the infection.

Overall, 395 people per 100,000 of Bromley’s population were diagnosed with chlamydia in the past year.

Bromley had the second to least gonorrhoea diagnoses per 100,000 population, just 53 last year.

That is almost half the number diagnosed in Greenwich, which was 61.

Chlamydia diagnoses were high in Greenwich as well, with 3,047 people aged 15-24 contracting the condition per 100,000 population.

Dr Yvonne Doyle, regional director for PHE London, said:
“London has turned the tide on an 8 year surge of gonorrhoea with overall rates of STIs decreasing.

“This encouraging news could show that work to promote frequent testing together with safe sex practices is paying off. This means people are using condoms and are regularly being tested.

“However the data comes with a note of caution, poor sexual health remains a public health problem in London and STIs are still too high compared to other parts of the country, with rates of syphilis and chlamydia actually increasing.

“Tackling poor sexual health remains high on the agenda for PHE London and we will continue to work with our partners to deliver effective public health interventions to improve sexual health outcomes across the capital.”

Chlamydia often has no symptoms and can have serious health consequences.

Any Bexley residents aged 18 or above who have concerns about their sexual health can get support and access to free STI home testing kits at www.bexleysexualhealth.org.

Residents can order the kits to be discreetly delivered to their home without needing to make a doctor’s appointment. The kit tests for the most common STI in Bexley, Chlamydia, as well as HIV, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B & C. Residents can choose to have results sent via text or by a telephone call.

For more information on chlamydia and how to prevent it click here.