Sexual Health Needs Assessment
Key headlines
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- CW&C has consistently lower testing rates of STIs than the England average (excluding Chlamydia). There are differences in STI testing in rural areas of the borough with access being an issue.
- Chlamydia is the most diagnosed STI followed by Gonorrhoea. The highest rates of Chlamydia are for under 25s.
- The rate of STIs including for Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Genital Warts and Genital Herpes are below the England average. It is unclear if this is due to lower disease prevalence or to reduced STI testing in CW&C.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Prompt treatment for HIV is crucial for maintaining a person's health and preventing transmission of the virus.
- The number of people living with HIV in CW&C is lower than the England average. New HIV cases are also lower.
- HIV testing coverage in CW&C is 55%, which is higher than the England average.
- Late diagnosis of people first diagnosed with HIV in the UK is significantly worse in CW&C than the England average, particularly for men, and men who have sex with men (MSM).
- The percentage of people living with HIV who are receiving antiretroviral therapy medications is 99.4% in CW&C. The proportion of people newly diagnosed with HIV that start antiretroviral therapy quickly is lower but statistically similar to the England average.
Contraception and Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC)
- The prescribing rate for long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) such as implants, intra-uterine systems (IUS) and intra-uterine devices (IUD) is higher in CW&C than the England average, both for those prescribed by a GP and by Sexual and Reproductive Health services (rate excluding injections).
- In 2023/24 there were 52 accredited pharmacy providers that offer free of charge EHC in CW&C, and they provided 2,640 patient interactions over that year.
Abortion
- Abortion rates in CW&C are similar to the England average for total abortions, over 25s abortions and under 18s abortions.
- Abortion rates have been increasing in CW&C for both total abortions and over 25s abortions. The under 18 abortion rate has generally been decreasing, though did see an increase in 2021.
