Sexually transmitted infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause long-term damage to general health. Early detection and treatment of STIs reduces the spread of infection and may avoid or delay serious complications and consequences.

Where rates are given these are per 100,000 of the population (all ages) and are for 2025:

• In 2025, 4,015 new STIs (excluding chlamydia in those aged 24 and under) were diagnosed in the Lancashire-12 area residents, representing a rate of 310 diagnoses per 100,000 population. This rate is significantly lower than the England rate (441).

• Blackburn with Darwen's rate (263) of new STI diagnoses (excluding chlamydia aged 24 and under) is also significantly lower than the England rate and Blackpool's rate (697) is significantly higher than the England rate.

• In Blackpool (90.2), South Ribble (74.9), Wyre (68.2) and Preston (66.9) the diagnosis rate (per 100,000) of first episode genital herpes is significantly higher than the England rate (49.1).

• Lancashire-12 area's STI testing rate (exclude chlamydia aged 24 and under) (2,599.4 per 100,000) is significantly lower than the England rate (4,012.2), suggesting that sexual health services in this area may not be testing as many people as the national average. Blacburn with Darwen's STI testing rate (exclude chlamydia aged 24 and under) (2,215.5 per 100,000) is also significantly lower than the England rate and Blackpool's (4,869.2) is significantly higher than the England rate.

Please see the chlamydia page for further information.

For county and unitary data and further information please see below.

Page updated July 2026