A Birmingham GP has issued a timely warning to university students as diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the city have surged significantly over the past year.
Figures reveal that cases of gonorrhoea in Birmingham rose by 17%, from 1,575 in 2024 to 1,844 in 2025. Syphilis diagnoses also increased by 15.8%, from 195 to 226 during the same period.
Dr Rupa Parmar, medical director of Midland Health, emphasised the importance of students maintaining their sexual wellbeing alongside their physical and mental health as they start or return to university life.
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She stated, “University represents an exciting new chapter in life, but sexual health should not be overlooked. Recognising symptoms, practising safer sex, and knowing when to get tested are essential steps for protecting both yourself and your partners.”
Dr Parmar highlighted the positive trend of decreasing stigma around STIs, encouraging openness about testing and diagnosis. However, she cautioned against complacency: “Reducing stigma is important, but it must not lead to relaxed attitudes about infection risk. Untreated STIs can impact your health and may be unknowingly passed on.”
While most bacterial STIs can be treated effectively, Dr Parmar pointed out the growing concern over antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea, which poses challenges for treatment.
Common warning signs of STIs include abnormal discharge, genital or anal itching, and pain during urination. Yet, many infections show no obvious symptoms, so testing after unprotected sex-whether vaginal, oral, or anal-is strongly advised.
“It’s crucial to understand that different STIs have varied testing windows,” Dr Parmar added. “Health professionals can guide when to test to ensure accurate results.”
Students are encouraged to avoid sexual contact until testing is complete if they have any concerns, and support is available through sexual health clinics, pharmacies, and GPs. Emergency contraception is also accessible, but most options must be used within three to five days of unprotected sex. Importantly, contraceptives such as the pill and coil do not prevent STIs.
Dr Parmar stressed that condoms remain the most reliable method for STI prevention and should be used consistently, even when other birth control is employed.
She also advocated for open communication with partners about sexual health history and boundaries prior to intimacy, as well as limiting substance use during sexual encounters to ensure safer practices.
“Some students may feel overly relaxed about the risk of STIs,” Dr Parmar warned. “While embarrassment should not be a barrier to seeking help, it is essential to recognise the seriousness of these infections. Rising antibiotic resistance and drug shortages increase the risk of complications and treatment difficulties.”
As the new academic year commences, healthcare experts urge students to adopt responsible sexual health habits to safeguard their wellbeing and reduce the further spread of STIs across Birmingham.