Sexually transmitted diseases in England and Wales: 1981-1990

Data provided by genito-urinary medicine clinics, microbiology laboratories and other reports reveal a consistent picture of the epidemiology of sexually transmitted diseases in England and Wales during the 1980s. The number of new cases increased by 21% between 1981 and 1990; most of this increase being due to genital herpes, genital warts and 'non-specific genital infection' (including that due to Chlamydia trachomatis). The increase in attendance rates for new cases was much higher for women (37%) than for men (2%) during the last decade, with the former experiencing more sequelae. Gonorrhoea and syphilis declined steadily until 1989 but cases of gonorrhoea have increased since then, especially in homosexual males. These data emphasise the need for renewed efforts toward the prevention and control of sexually transmitted diseases, particularly among adolescents, women and homosexual men.