Regular sexual health testing and uptake of new vaccine advised following new report
Public Health Wales is urging people not to become complacent about their sexual health. Advice includes practising safe sex, getting regularly tested and taking up a new vaccine.
The publication of an annual report about sexual trends in Wales serves as a reminder for everyone who is sexually active (particularly those with new or multiple partners) to practise safe sex. Condoms remain a vital defence against infection, and Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing at least once a year is crucial for prevention and early diagnosis.
Since its introduction in 2020, the Test and Post home testing service now accounts for half of all STI tests in Wales. These confidential kits allow individuals to take proactive steps in managing their sexual health and preventing the spread of infections by testing for STIs from the privacy of their homes. To order your kit, please visit www.shwales.online or collect from your local community venue.
A new vaccine targeting gonorrhoea is set to be introduced by the NHS across the United Kingdom in August 2025. This will make the UK nations the first in the world to offer such a programme. The vaccine arrives amid concerns about gonorrhoea becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics.
Latest data shows a 40 per cent drop in gonorrhoea cases in Wales last year. Yet, the decrease follows year-on-year increases, and the infection remains at historically high levels. Gonorrhoea is highly transmissible as it’s often symptomless, so uptake of the new vaccine and regular STI testing is vital.
The report also reveals that cases of chlamydia fell by 16 per cent compared to the previous year. However, it remains the most frequently diagnosed bacterial STI in Wales especially amongst young people aged 15–24.
While a reduction in STI diagnoses appears positive, it may reflect changes in testing patterns rather than a true decline in transmission. Concerns remain about the high rate of reinfections and co-infections, which indicates ongoing risk behaviours and underdiagnosis.
Professor Daniel Thomas, Consultant Epidemiologist at Public Health Wales, said:
“We are asking people to stay informed and stay safe. Use condoms, test regularly and take up the gonorrhoea vaccine when it becomes available.
“We all have a part to play in protecting our sexual health and that of our partners.”
Sexual Health Trends in Wales: Annual report 2025 (PDF, 542Kb)