Introduction: Bacterial sexually transmitted infections (Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and syphilis) are increasing in men who have sex with men in the UK. The reasons for this include alcohol and recreational drug use, availability of PrEP and awareness of HIV treatment as prevention, and social media. 

Method: We reviewed MSM presenting to our service between September 2014-September 2015 who had had 3 or more repeat attendances with a bacterial STI.  We included infectious syphilis, pharyngeal, rectal and urethral chlamydia and gonorrhea. We collected data on alcohol and recreational drug use.

Results: An estimated 11,000 MSM attended during the study period. Of these, 46 MSM had 3 or more bacterial STIs. The median age was 34.5 years 21-57). 26/46(57%) were HIV positive. 32/46(70%) had 3 STIs; 10/46(22%) had 4 STIs, 3/46(7%) had 5 STIs and 1/46(2%) had 6 STIs. 14/46(30%) reported hazardous drinking, 31/46(67%) reported use of party drugs (including Mephedrone, Crystal Meth, Ecstasy and GHB) and 7/46(15%) reported ‘slamming’.

Discussion: MSM attending multiple times with recurrent bacterial STIs also report high use of alcohol and recreational drug use including slamming. Public health interventions to reduce incidence of STIs should include focusing on drug and alcohol use in MSM

Men who have sex with men (MSM) presenting with repeat bacterial Sexually transmitted infections (STI) report high use of alcohol and party drugs