The number of sexually transmitted infections fell by five per cent in Yorkshire last year, but they remain unacceptably high, say health experts.

Figures released by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) show there were 38,504 new cases confirmed in Yorkshire in 2011, compared to 40,652 cases the previous year.

However, health experts are urging caution as latest figures show that the impact of STI infections is still unacceptably high in young people, and the upward trend in gonorrhoea and herpes is a real concern.

Dr Leena Inamdar, consultant in communicable disease control and STI Lead for HPA Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “Although the drop in cases reported in Yorkshire and the Humber is modest, it is encouraging that the decline in cases has been sustained for a second year running in Yorkshire and the Humber.

“However, the data shows that too many people are still putting themselves at risk of STIs and serious health problems by having unprotected sex.

“The sharp and continuing rise in gonorrhoea diagnoses in our region is of particular concern due to emerging resistance to gonorrhoea treatment.

“Laboratory testing over the last five years has shown a large reduction in the sensitivity of the main drugs used to treat gonorrhoea, presenting the very real danger of untreatable gonorrhoea in the future. It is crucial the work to reduce STIs continues. Ensuring easier access to sexual health services and STI screening is important for controlling the transmission of all STIs and needs to be focused on groups at highest risk. Coupled with this, improving awareness and encouraging safer sexual behaviour through health promotion and education is essential to helping prevent STIs.”

Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs in young adults, often has no symptoms and can result in infertility.

To combat STI transmission advice include: use a condom; reduce the number of sexual partners; and if you are sexually active and under 25, you should get screened for chlamydia every year. Men who have sex with men should have an HIV/ STI screen at least annually, or more often if they change partners.