365 positive cases of chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhoea, warts and herpes, were detected in Jersey last year.

Data seen by Channel 103 also shows cases of chlamydia and syphilis have more than tripled in over a decade, with 185 cases of chlamydia (from 61 in 2013) and 15 positive syphilis tests (up from <5 in 2013), recorded in 2024.

However, Dr Alexandra Dickinson from 7 David Place Surgery says higher results could be seen as a 'good thing', as more people are getting tested for infections.

"These statistics can be viewed in a positive light, to say that actually we're being sensible and cautious about our own sexual health and that we're getting checked out.

"A lot of these conditions are completely treatable and that's a real thing to focus on for the future."

Islanders took 4,439 Chlamydia Trachomatis tests in 2024, meaning less than 5% of the adult population in Jersey checked themselves for the chlamydia-causing bacteria.

Out of those tests, just 2,354 were taken at the GUM Clinic, which is free for islanders.

*Data for Herpes, Warts and Syphilis from 2022 to 2023 was not made available. 

Dr Dickinson says not checking for STIs can affect other people's health and cause infertility in the future.

"Whilst you might think you're absolutely fine, it's only with screening we can check and eliminate some of these causes.

"I think the reason why it's so high is sometimes people don't get tested with every sexual partner, and [getting checked] would usually be the medical advice we would give for every unprotected sexual encounter, to get checked out."

The GUM Clinic encourages islanders to test for STIs, even if they do not have symptoms, otherwise known as routine testing.

Test results are usually given to people two weeks after their appointments. However, some tests may take longer than others if repeated or sent off-island to a specialist laboratory.

Dr Dickinson says both men and women can experience no symptoms, but should still be checked.

"Women can get a change in vaginal discharge, change with their period, difficulty passing urine or a burning sensation, or even lower tummy discomfort.

"In gentlemen, it's slightly little different - they might get swelling or pain around their testicles, discomfort as they pass urine, sometimes they have a white cloudy discharge from the tip of their penis.

"Be cautious that you may not have any symptoms, so we still encourage testing even if you don't."

Jersey General Hospital, home of the GUM Clinic

The government spent more than £1.8 million on Jersey's Sexual Health services in 2024.

Services include the GUM Clinic, contraception and cervical screening clinics at Le Bas Centre and blood-borne virus clinics.

The total spend also includes providing staff, equipment expenses and medical consumables, tools professionals use daily such as masks and gloves.

£1.8 million spent on Jersey's Sexual Health Services in 2024.

Jersey's GUM Clinic offers various sexual health services:

• Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs);
• Advice and information about sexual health;
• Free condoms;
• Emergency contraception;
• Pregnancy testing;
• HIV testing;
• PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). You take this medication before sex to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. PrEP protects people who are HIV-negative, but are at high risk of contracting the virus. Islanders eligible for this treatment include:
  • Men who have sex with men;
  • Transgender women who have sex with men;
  • HIV-negative partners of HIV-positive individuals;
  • And, those at high risk of getting HIV.
• PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) medication that can help prevent people from developing HIV if they've been exposed to it;
• Hepatitis B vaccination, which excludes travel vaccination;
• HPV, for men who have sex with men aged 45 and under;
• Clinical care for people who have been sexually assaulted;
• And, specialist cervical screening clinics for HIV-positive individuals, transgender men and non-binary individuals.