New figures show STDS on the rise in Scotland – with some doubling

The incidence of some sexually transmitted diseases have doubled in Scotland over the last eight years, new figures have revealed.

Since 2009, cases of both gonorrhoea and syphilis have soared, while thousands are still treated for chlamydia despite a general downwards trend.

The statistics were published by the Scottish Government following a parliamentary question from shadow health secretary Miles Briggs.

They show that in 2009 there were 1,021 cases of gonorrhoea, which rose to 2,346 in 2015 – the latest year for which figures are available in that category. Instances of syphilis increased from 190 in 2009 up to 356 in 2016. Overall figures for chlamydia were in decline, but there was still a small increase in cases from last year to 15,147, meaning 41 people a day are being treated for the disease. Mr Briggs said the figures were “extremely concerning”.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “Recent increases in the number of cases in Scotland, which mirror trends in England and abroad, mean it is important that individuals have access to regular testing and advice.”