‘Concerning’: Aussies Hit by Spike in STIs as Rates Triple in a Decade
A sharp rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is alarming health experts across Australia. Cases of syphilis have tripled over the past 10 years, while gonorrhoea diagnoses have doubled, leaving officials scrambling to boost testing and awareness.
The Numbers: A Steady Climb in STI Diagnoses
Australia’s STI trends paint a worrying picture. In 2022, the country recorded 93,777 chlamydia cases, 32,877 gonorrhoea infections, and 6,036 syphilis diagnoses. Chlamydia remains the most common, often going unnoticed because it shows no symptoms. But the real concern lies in the surges.
Syphilis cases have skyrocketed, tripling since 2012. Gonorrhoea has doubled in the same period. In New South Wales alone, gonorrhoea jumped nearly 20% from 2022 to 2023, with rates climbing even higher this year. HIV notifications have held steady but show slight upticks in some areas.
These figures come from the Kirby Institute’s annual surveillance report, a key source tracking STI trends nationwide. The data highlights a three-decade climb in bacterial STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis.
Why the Spike? Complex Factors at Play
Experts point to several reasons for the increase. Reduced condom use across all age groups plays a big role. Dating apps and changing sexual behaviors have boosted encounters, but not always safe ones.
Testing rates are dropping, which worsens the spread. Fewer people check for STIs means more undetected cases. This is especially true among young adults, who make up most diagnoses. In gay and bisexual men, comprehensive testing fell from over 50% in 2019 to 42% in 2022.
Underfunding hurts too. Public campaigns lag behind those for HIV or hepatitis C, where rates have dropped thanks to targeted efforts. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted services, delaying tests and treatments.
Antibiotic resistance adds danger. Gonorrhoea strains resistant to first-line treatments like azithromycin are rising fast. This makes infections harder to cure.
Vulnerable Groups: Disparities Hit Hard
Not everyone faces equal risks. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people see much higher rates than non-Indigenous Australians. Syphilis in Indigenous communities has surged, with congenital cases—a risk to newborns—climbing since the pandemic.
Women of reproductive age are another worry. Syphilis diagnoses among females have jumped six-fold in 10 years. Untreated, it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth defects. All pregnant people should get STI tests, but access to care varies.
Young people aged 15-29 bear the brunt, with chlamydia and gonorrhoea peaking in this group. Men account for most cases—71% of gonorrhoea and 82% of syphilis—but women’s rise signals broader spread.
Expert Warnings: ‘Genuine Concern’ Over Long-Term Effects
Health leaders are sounding alarms. “There’s genuine concern,” said Dr. Skye McGregor, an epidemiologist at UNSW’s Kirby Institute. She noted the “persistent upward trend” against falling testing rates is “particularly concerning.”
Dr. Christine Selvey from NSW Health warned GPs of gonorrhoea’s rapid rise and resistance issues. The Royal College of Pathologists (RCPA) urged more testing, especially for older adults who may hide changing habits.
“Any rise in STIs is bad news,” McGregor added. Untreated chlamydia risks infertility; syphilis threatens pregnancies. RCPA’s Dr. Raewyn Keighley stressed early detection to avoid “devastating outcomes.”
Success stories offer hope. HPV vaccinations have nearly wiped out genital warts in young Indigenous men. Targeted campaigns work, experts say.
What Aussies Can Do: Simple Steps to Stay Safe
Prevention starts with awareness. Use condoms consistently. Get tested regularly—every 3-6 months if sexually active with new partners. Free or low-cost tests are available at clinics, GPs, or via healthdirect.
Talk openly about STIs. Apps like those from Clinic365 offer discreet booking. Pregnant? Request antenatal screening.
For high-risk groups, like Indigenous communities, culturally safe services are key. Limit partners and avoid sharing toys without protection.
The Bigger Picture: A Call for Action
This STI spike affects everyday Aussies—from young daters to expectant parents. It strains health systems and highlights gaps in education and access. With resistance growing, delays could lead to untreatable cases.
But change is possible. Boosted funding for campaigns, like those curbing HIV, could turn the tide. As McGregor urges, “Early testing… prevents serious long-term outcomes.”
If you’re sexually active, don’t wait—get tested today. Resources at healthdirect.gov.au or your local GP can help. Australia’s health future depends on it.