Recent official figures shared have revealed that the cases of syphilis, a highly infectious STD, are at a 56 year high across the Scottish nation. In 2008, there were a total of 264 cases of the disease diagnosed at specialist sexual health clinics across the country, a substantial rise from the 249 cases recorded in 2007, and the highest annual number recorded since 1952.

The figures were reported in a new study conducted by two NHS divisions, Health Protection Scotland and the Information Services Division, to examine the country's sexual health.

The report also revealed that out of all the chlamydia cases recorded, 19,054, for the year, about two-third were diagnosed in the countries under 25 age group. Also, 59% of genital warts and
61% gonorrhoea cases were in this age group, despite the fact that this group is only about 13% of Scotland's total population.

"Whilst we have noted increases in testing and diagnoses, there are still those who remain undiagnosed, thus, more testing is required. We need to continue to encourage behavioral change including safer sex and regular sexual health check-ups especially for those with new or casual sex partners", shared Dr Lesley Wallace, of Health Protection Scotland and one of the report's authors.

All was not bleak, as cases of the STD considered most dangerous, HIV, fell by 9%.