Sexual health boost for Central Bedfordshire as number of new cases of STIs drops by 16%
Monday, 16 June 2025
Investment in high quality contraception and sexual health services has helped cut the number of new diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by 16% over the last year.
The figures, published by the UK Health Security Agency, show there were 673 new diagnoses in 2024, in Central Bedfordshire – down from 797 in 2023.
And it means that the number of new cases per 100,000 people has been lower than the national average for each of the last 13 years.
There has also been a 27% drop in the number of gonorrhoea diagnoses, from 171 in 2023 to 125 in 2024. That also means that the number of new cases per 100,000 people has been lower than the national average for each of the last 13 years.
Central Bedfordshire is also below the national average for the number of recorded new cases of syphilis.
STIs do not always show any symptoms and these reductions in infections highlight the importance of condom use and regular testing in order to prevent infections, complications, and onward transmission.
Testing, treatment, information and advice, and access to contraception are all available at your local iCaSH clinic, and convenient, free online STI testing is also available. Visit the iCaSH website or call 0300 300 3030 for more information.
Councillor Mark Smith, our Executive Member for Adult Social Care, said:
This encouraging drop in new STI cases shows how sustained investment in high-quality sexual health and contraception services is making a real difference in Central Bedfordshire. These results highlight the importance of prevention, regular testing, and accessible support for people.
We’re proud that our rates remain below the national average, and we continue to encourage people to take advantage of local services, including those provided by iCaSH, whether in person or online.