LUNCH BREAK LIGHTS: Ew! London named sex disease capital

London was today named the sex disease capital of England after it saw a total of 111,451 new cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in residents last year.

The figures released by Public Health England mean London harbours one in four of all new cases of sexually transmitted infections, or STIs.

There was a 27% rise in gonorrhoea in the capital, with London’s infection rate reported as 74% higher than any other region in England.

London boroughs also accounted for 12 of the 20 worst boroughs in the country.

Lambeth was branded the worst borough, with 1,250 new gonorrhoea cases, 5,001 chlamydia cases and 216 syphilis cases reported last year. Southwark came in second with 850 gonorrhoea cases. Hackney reported the highest herpes infection rate with 170 in every 100,000 residents.

Dr Yvonne Doyle, PHE London regional director, said: “Using condoms, having fewer partners and avoiding overlapping sexual relationships can reduce this risk.”