Press release —
High STI Rates in Young People Prompt Testing Urgency
London, UK — July 2026 — London Blood Tests is encouraging people across the UK to take a proactive approach to sexual health, following recent UKHSA-linked reporting that sexually transmitted infections remain particularly high among young people and gay and bisexual men.
Although the total number of new STI diagnoses in England reportedly fell from around 364,000 to 334,000 in 2025, chlamydia remained the most common infection, followed by gonorrhoea and genital herpes. Recent figures also highlighted a rise in first-time genital herpes diagnoses, with almost 29,000 people diagnosed in 2025 compared with 27,900 the previous year.
London Blood Tests says the figures are a reminder that sexual health testing should not be reserved only for people with symptoms. Many sexually transmitted infections can be present with mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, meaning people may be unaware of an infection and could pass it on to partners.
A spokesperson for London Blood Tests said:
“Sexual health testing is one of the most important forms of preventative healthcare. Many people wait until they notice symptoms, but with STIs and HIV, waiting is not always safe or reliable. If someone has had unprotected sex, a new partner, multiple partners, or simply wants peace of mind, confidential testing can give clarity quickly and help protect both them and their partners.”
London Blood Tests offers private sexual health testing options, including blood tests for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Where appropriate, chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing may also be arranged using urine or swab samples, as these infections are not usually diagnosed through a standard blood test.
Common reasons to consider STI and HIV testing include:
- Unprotected sex with a new or casual partner
- A condom breaking or slipping
- A new relationship where both partners want reassurance
- Multiple sexual partners
- Symptoms such as unusual discharge, pain when urinating, genital sores, itching, pelvic pain, testicular pain or flu-like symptoms after a possible exposure
- Routine sexual health screening, even without symptoms
London Blood Tests also highlights the importance of understanding test window periods. Some infections may not be detectable immediately after exposure, meaning a repeat test may be recommended depending on the infection, timing and individual risk.
The company says its private service is designed for people who want discreet access, flexible appointments and clear results, while also reminding the public that NHS sexual health clinics continue to provide free and confidential STI testing services.
The spokesperson added:
“There should be no shame around sexual health testing. It is normal, responsible and increasingly important. Our aim is to make private testing simple, discreet and accessible for people who want answers without unnecessary delays.”
London Blood Tests provides access to a wide range of private blood tests, including sexual health, general health, hormone, vitamin, liver, kidney, cholesterol and diabetes testing. Appointments can be arranged through the London Blood Tests website, with results turnaround depending on the test type and laboratory processing times.
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London Blood Tests is a private blood testing and preventative health platform providing access to routine blood tests, advanced diagnostic panels, longevity assessments and specialist health screening across London and the UK.
The service is designed for patients who want faster, more accessible insight into their health without long waiting times. London Blood Tests works through a network of partner clinics and accredited laboratory providers, offering blood testing for general health, hormones, fertility, vitamins and minerals, allergy and immunity, organ function, sexual health, genetics, environmental exposure, peptide monitoring and longevity-focused health optimisation.
Patients can book clinic appointments or arrange home and hotel phlebotomy, with results delivered securely online. The company focuses on making private diagnostics clearer, more convenient and more transparent for individuals, health-conscious patients, biohackers, longevity users, executives and people monitoring ongoing health concerns.
London Blood Tests also supports patients looking for more personalised health data, including advanced panels for fatigue, hormone imbalance, metabolic health, inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid function, liver and kidney function, cardiovascular risk, peptide use and preventative health screening.
Locations / service areas: London, Greater London and UK-wide home visit availability. Clinic access includes central London locations such as Knightsbridge and Holborn, with additional partner clinic coverage listed for Paddington and Ilford.
Website: londonbloodtests.uk
Email: info@londonbloodtests.uk
Phone: 0203 488 0809
