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Genital Herpes Sexual Health Womens Health

Genital Herpes in the UK: Rising Rates Across Age Groups

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📈 What Is Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), primarily HSV-2, but increasingly HSV-1 through oral-genital contact. Once infected, the virus remains in your body for life, with occasional outbreaks and a potential for asymptomatic viral shedding. World Health Organisation

Understanding genital herpes isn't just about medical facts — it's about real-world trends, who is affected, and how prevalence differs by age.

🌍 Global Prevalence: It's More Common Than You Think

Recent WHO data reveals:

~846M

adults aged 15–49 worldwide have genital herpes

More than 1 in 5 people globally in this age range

~520M

people aged 15–49 have HSV-2 infection, the main cause of genital herpes

Important: Most infections cause few or no symptoms but can still be transmitted. World Health Organisation

This underscores the massive prevalence of genital herpes, a public health concern requiring better awareness, testing, and care.

In the UK, genital herpes can be caused by either:

🦠

HSV-2

Traditionally linked with genital transmission

💋

HSV-1

Typically causes cold sores, but increasingly causes genital infection through oral-genital contact

Key insight: Many people with herpes never show symptoms or mistake mild symptoms for other conditions. Because of this, many individuals are unaware they carry the virus, which contributes to ongoing transmission. Herpes Viruses Association

📊 How Common Is Genital Herpes in the UK?

📈 Prevalence

10–13%

of UK adults aged 15–49 have HSV-2 infection (traditional cause of genital herpes)

~70%

of people in the UK carry HSV-1 (often from childhood), with a portion experiencing genital infection through oral/sexual contact

Across the population, genital herpes diagnoses in sexual health clinics remain a significant public health concern, with tens of thousands of first-episode cases each year. GOV.UK

Note: These figures represent diagnosed cases and don't account for those undiagnosed, which is likely higher due to asymptomatic infections.

👩‍🦰 Age Group Patterns in the UK

STI surveillance data highlights that genital herpes affects different age groups at varying rates:

🧑

15–24 Years

Young adults aged 15–24 remain one of the highest diagnosis rate groups for STIs, including genital herpes, when accessing sexual health services. GOV.UK

Why? This likely reflects higher sexual activity, partner changes, and testing behaviour in younger adults.

👩‍🦱

25–34 Years

🏆 Highest number of genital herpes diagnoses in England

Individuals aged 25–34 have the highest number of genital herpes diagnoses in England. Statista

This age group often shows elevated STI rates due to sustained sexual activity and exposure.

🧑‍🦳

Older Adults

While younger adults represent a large share of diagnoses, herpes affects adults of all ages.

Regional data suggests variation across age groups, but diagnosis rates are not restricted to younger people alone. GOV.UK

💡 Insight: Herpes is increasingly recognised across a wider age range, not just in young adults, as more people get tested and as transmission patterns evolve.

🧠 Why Are Genital Herpes Diagnoses Rising?

🏥

1. Improved Testing and Clinic Access

More people are accessing sexual health clinics and getting tested, leading to more diagnoses.

👥

2. Behavioural Factors

Increased oral-genital contact contributes to HSV-1 genital transmission in younger adults.

📢

3. Awareness and Reporting

Better awareness of symptoms and reduced stigma encourages testing and reporting.

🔇

4. Asymptomatic Transmission

Many individuals are infectious without knowing; this silent spread contributes to ongoing transmission.

🧬 Key Health Impacts

Genital herpes is lifelong and may lead to:

• Recurrent outbreaks of painful blisters

• Psychological stress or anxiety

• Importance of safer sex practices

• Increased awareness of asymptomatic shedding

💡 Takeaway: UK Genital Herpes at a Glance

Metric UK Snapshot
HSV-1 Prevalence ~70% of people by age 25
HSV-2 Prevalence (15–49) ~10–13%
First-episode genital herpes diagnoses (2024) ~27,900
Trend (2023 → 2024) ~3.5% rise
Highest diagnostic group Adults 25–34

Genital herpes is common, and diagnosis trends show a gradual increase across age groups, particularly among sexually active adults.

🧭 What You Should Do

🩺

Get regular STI testing if sexually active — especially with new or multiple partners

🛡️

Practice safe sex (condoms, dental dams)

💬

Talk to partners openly about STI status

🏥

Seek medical support if you experience symptoms or have concerns

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