Do you suffer from crippling PMS? You may have an STI

Cases of syphilis and gonorrhea increased by more than 20 per cent in the past year, figures revealed in June 2018.

Syphilis, which can be life-threatening if it severely damages the brain, heart or nervous system, incidences rose by 20 per cent from 5,955 in 2016 to 7,137 in 2017, according to a report by Public Health England (PHE).

Gonorrhoea, which can cause pregnancy complications and infertility, increased by 22 per cent from 36,577 cases in 2016 to 44,676 in 2017, the data adds.

As well as increased testing, PHE previously said ‘high levels of condomless sex probably account for most of this rise’.

Syphilis cases have been on the rise for the past 10 years, with 78 per cent of diagnoses occurring in homosexual, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.

Those aged 16-to-24 years old are most likely to be infected.

Dr Gwenda Hughes, head of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) section at PHE, said: ‘Sexually transmitted infections pose serious consequences to health – both your own and that of your current and future sexual partners.

‘The impact of STIs can be considerable, with some causing infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease and harm to unborn babies.

‘Consistent and correct condom use with new and casual partners is the best defence against STIs, and if you are at risk, regular check-ups are essential to enable early diagnosis and treatment.’