![\"Man](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/SEI_257564951-b78f.jpg\")
\n\t\tAn STI that can cause \u2018painful\u2019 symptoms is on the rise (Picture: Shutterstock \/ New Africa)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tAn STI that can cause \u2018painful\u2019 symptoms is on the rise (Picture: Shutterstock \/ New Africa)<\/p>\n
The UK Health Security Agency has revealed its annual STI data, and overall, there\u2019s some good news for people having sex<\/a> in England<\/a>.<\/p>\n The number of new STI<\/a> diagnoses decreased in 2025 by 8.3 per cent.<\/p>\n But there was one type of sexually transmitted infection<\/a> that saw cases increase over the last year.<\/p>\n First episode genital herpes<\/a> diagnoses, which refers to a person\u2019s first diagnosis, rose from 27,914 cases in 2024 to 28,779 in 2025, going up by 3.1 per cent.<\/p>\n With this in mind, here\u2019s everything you need to know about the STI \u2013 from symptoms to look out for to the lesser-known ways that it spreads.<\/p>\n What is genital herpes?<\/p>\n Genital herpes is a common, viral sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).\u00a0<\/p>\n It\u2019s passed on through skin-to-skin contact with infected areas, most commonly during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.<\/p>\n The first outbreak (first episode) a person experiences is usually the most severe, causing small blisters that burst to leave red, open sores on the genitals, anus, thighs, or bottom.<\/p>\n Those with the infection may also have burning, tingling, or itching sensations around their genitals, pain when peeing, discharge that is not normal for them, and flu-like symptoms.<\/p>\n However, some people might have symptoms so mild, they don\u2019t even realise anything is wrong.<\/p>\n How is genital herpes spread?<\/p>\n Dr Clair Granger from Superdrug Online Doctor<\/a> explains: \u2018There is still a surprising amount of misinformation around herpes transmission.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2018The virus does not survive well outside the body and is not spread through toilet seats, towels, cutlery, or swimming pools.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2018Transmission can be spread through using contaminated sex toys, but usually occurs due to direct skin-to-skin contact.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t The expert warns that people can spread the infection even when there are no visible symptoms.<\/p>\n \u2018People often assume herpes is only contagious during an outbreak, but the virus can be passed on even when no sores or blisters are present through what is known as asymptomatic shedding,\u2019 she says. \u2018This is one reason herpes can spread without either partner realising.\u2019<\/p>\n Those who suffer from cold sores can also spread the virus through oral sex, as HSV-1 is also a form of herpes.<\/p>\n According to Dr Clair, HSV-1 genital infections have become \u2018increasingly common\u2019, particularly among younger adults.<\/p>\n Why are cases on the rise?<\/p>\n Dr Clair thinks it could be due to a lack of awareness around transmission through oral sex.<\/p>\n \u2018Awareness of this route of transmission remains relatively low,\u2019 she tells Metro. \u2018And many people do not think to use protection during oral sex in the same way they would during penetrative sex.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t You might become infected with genital herpes, but not realise it for a long time, as the virus can remain dormant.<\/p>\n Symptoms do not always appear straight after you\u2019re exposed; some people develop them a few days later, while others might not notice anything for months, or even years.\u00a0<\/p>\n An outbreak can be triggered by factors such as stress, poor sleep, illness, hormonal changes, and even prolonged sun exposure while on holiday.<\/p>\n How is genital herpes treated?<\/p>\n There is currently no cure for genital herpes, but doctors say treatment is effective and many people use it to manage the condition successfully.<\/p>\n \u2018Antiviral medication can help shorten outbreaks, ease symptoms and reduce the likelihood of passing the virus to others,\u2019 says Dr Clair.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2018Many people live normal, healthy lives with herpes and experience long periods without symptoms.\u2019<\/p>\n How to reduce the risk of genital herpes and other STIs?<\/p>\n The best way to reduce the risk of an STI is to use a condom when having sex; however, recent research from Superdrug Online Doctor found that 86 per cent of single Brits don\u2019t always use one, and more than 30 per cent never use them at all.<\/p>\n Things get a little trickier with herpes, because using a condom cannot completely \u2018eliminate the risk\u2019, warns Dr Clair.<\/p>\n This is because areas of skin not covered by a condom can still carry the virus, and it spreads through skin-to-skin contact.\u00a0<\/p>\n As such, she adds: \u2018It is important to ensure that regular testing and open dialogue with sexual partners is a priority\u2019.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"Collection](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/SEI_228707730-134c.jpg\")
\n\t\tAs it\u2019s spread through skin-to-skin contact, a condom doesn\u2019t always lower the risk of transmission (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/PRI_111636051-c290.jpg\")
\n\t\tThose with cold sores can spread the infection through oral sex (Picture: Getty Images)
\nThe virus can remain dormant for years\u00a0<\/p>\n
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