A GP is urging university students not to become complacent about STIs ahead of the new term in September, as testing among young women has fallen and antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea cases are increasing in England.
Starting university can mean greater independence, new relationships, and a busier social life. While this can be an exciting time, Dr Rupa Parmar, GP and Medical Director of Midland Health, is reminding students that their sexual wellbeing is just as important as their physical and mental health.
Despite an overall fall in new STI diagnoses during 2025, young people aged 15 to 24 continue to experience relatively high rates of sexually transmitted infections, accounting for 119,033 of new STI diagnoses in England last year. Not to mention, chlamydia testing among young women aged 15 to 24 fell by 9.4%.
Dr Rupa Parmar said, “University is an exciting new chapter, but students shouldn’t let their sexual health become an afterthought. Recognising possible symptoms, practising safer sex, and knowing when to get tested can help students protect both themselves and their partners.
“The fact that stigma around STIs is decreasing is a positive thing, and no one should feel ashamed about having an STI or getting tested. But reducing stigma should not mean becoming relaxed about the risk of infection. Testing, using protection and speaking openly with partners still matter, because an untreated STI can affect your own health and be passed on without you knowing.
“Students should also not assume that catching an STI is always simply a case of taking antibiotics and moving on. While most bacterial STIs can be treated effectively, antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea is a growing concern.”
UKHSA reported 29 ceftriaxone-resistant cases in England in 2025, more than double the 13 reported in 2024, with a further 17 cases reported by 8 May 2026.
Common warning signs:
- Any abnormal discharge from your vagina, penis, or anus
- Itchiness in your genitals or anus
- Blisters, sores, or warts around your genitals or anus
- Pain when urinating
- Abnormal bleeding from your genitals
- Lumps or skin growths around your genitals or anus
- A rash
- Rarely, warts in your mouth or throat
Dr Rupa Parmar said, “It’s important to remember that many STIs have no obvious symptoms, so it’s always a good idea to test after unprotected sex with a new or casual partner. If you don’t, you risk passing on the undetected infection to others.
“A common misconception is that only vaginal intercourse can pass on infection; in reality, you should test after any genital, oral, or anal contact. Different STIs also have different testing window periods, so a sexual health clinic, pharmacist or GP can advise you on the most appropriate time to take a test.
“Knowing what to do and when to seek advice if you think you have an STI is just as important as knowing what to look out for. I’d recommend that students concerned about an STI should avoid sexual contact until they have had a test and access support through a sexual health clinic, pharmacy, or GP.
“Pharmacies and sexual health clinics can also provide emergency contraception after unprotected sex, though most pills need to be taken within 3 to 5 days of unprotected sex. However, it’s worth noting that contraceptive methods like the pill and coil do not protect against STIs. That’s why, even if you’re on birth control, practising safe sex by using a condom correctly is the only way to prevent catching and spreading an infection. Condoms used as a barrier method remain the simplest way to protect your health. Think of condoms as your everyday protection, and testing as your safety net.
“Too few of us feel comfortable talking about sex, but it’s important to foster healthy habits around your sexual health. Talk openly with new partners about your sexual health history and establish boundaries around testing before intimacy. Limiting substance use before having sex can also ensure safe sex is practised every single time; it can be easy to forget protection, but it can be the difference between staying healthy and catching an unwanted STI.
“Some university students are becoming relaxed or even finding themselves unconcerned about catching an STI. Of course, there should be no embarrassment or stigma attached to our diagnoses, but STIs are serious and should be treated as such. A relaxed attitude can put extra pressure on sexual health clinics.
“Treatment is available for STIs, of course. But frequently detected antibiotic-resistant strains leave patients at risk of health complications and potential treatment failure, especially as doctors rely on specific treatments that can be more affected by drug shortages.”
