New data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveals a concerning increase in cases of genital herpes amid a general decline in other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) across England. While the total number of new STI diagnoses dropped by 8.3% from 364,261 in 2024 to 334,151 in 2025, first-episode genital herpes cases rose by 3.1%, from 27,914 to 28,779.
Notably, diagnoses of other common STIs saw significant decreases: chlamydia fell by 10.3%, gonorrhoea by 10.9%, syphilis by 13.5%, and genital warts by 7.3%. This contrast underscores the unique challenges genital herpes presents.
Unlike many STIs, genital herpes is a lifelong infection caused by a virus that can remain dormant within the body and be transmitted-even without apparent symptoms. Dr Paul Gross, a Primary Care Physician at LIV3 Health, emphasised the difficulty in controlling the spread: “Herpes is different from most STIs in that it creates an ongoing infection for life and can be spread at times when there are no signs of the infection. Because herpes infection can often go undetected for extended periods and can circulate silently among partners, recognising and stopping transmission will likely be very difficult.”
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Dr Gross also noted that symptoms can be subtle or absent, leading to misdiagnosis or no diagnosis at all. “Genital herpes can occur in many individuals who do not experience any recognisable symptoms; alternatively, their symptoms may be extremely mild and thus likely to be confused with some other condition,” he explained. The virus can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, even in areas not covered by condoms, which reduces but does not eliminate risk.
Of the nearly 8.9 million STI tests conducted in England in 2025, 70.3% were among individuals without symptoms, highlighting the importance of regular testing and proactive sexual health care. Sexual health charity Condoms.uk emphasises that attention to sexual health should not be limited to times when symptoms are present.
Experts also caution against assuming that rising herpes rates are directly caused by reduced condom use in the UK. Dr Gross commented, “Lower use of condoms may result in higher rates of herpes transmission; however, because there are so many variables that can affect herpes infection rates (including sexual behaviours, herpes awareness, herpes testing rates, and asymptomatic herpes), I would caution against using the relationship between condom use and herpes rates as definitive evidence for an indirect causal link.”
For those who suspect exposure to genital herpes, seeking medical advice promptly is crucial. Dr Gross advises, “If they develop open sores or blisters, they need to see a doctor as soon as possible. A swab of a fresh blister or lesion typically gives the most accurate test for herpes.”
Testing can be more complicated in the absence of symptoms. “Blood tests are limited in their usefulness without symptoms, especially early on after an individual’s first exposure,” Dr Gross added. “It is best to discuss with your healthcare provider the appropriate timing and type of testing.”
Overall, these findings highlight the ongoing public health challenge posed by genital herpes and the importance of continued awareness, testing, and education to manage its spread within the population.