Warning about record gonorrhea spike with post-Covid cases a FIFTH higher than ever

Gonorrhea cases in England reached a record, official figures revealed today.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned that cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) rose by more than a fifth from the previous year’s highest.

The skyrocketing rates are an “important reminder of the importance of STI testing,” health chiefs warned.

Condoms can stop the spread of the infection, the second most common bacterial STI in the UK after chlamydia.

UKHSA provisional data released today indicates that 56,327 cases were registered between January and September 2022, 21% more than the 46,541 registered in the same period of 2019, which was the previous high.

Health chiefs said the increase is largely being driven by people aged 15 to 24 “due to more frequent changes in sexual partners.”

Gonorrhea is a particular cause for concern among experts because the bacteria behind the infection are evolving to become resistant to antibiotics.

In response to the figures, the UKHSA has urged people to use a condom and get tested regularly if they have sex with new or casual partners.

Gonorrhea is usually easily treated with a single injection of an antibiotic.

However, without treatment it can spread to other parts of the body and have serious consequences, such as infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Dr Katy Sinka, a consultant epidemiologist and head of UKHSA’s STI section, said: ‘Condoms are not just for preventing unwanted pregnancies; They are the main defense against STIs.

“If you’ve had condomless sex with a new or casual partner, it’s even more important to get tested to catch potential infections early and prevent passing them on to others.”

She added: “You can get free condoms at your local sexual health clinic, and if you’re under 25, you can get them online, too.”

Caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, or gonococcus, gonorrhea is spread through unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex, as well as by sharing vibrators or sex toys that have been used without a condom.

The bacteria are usually found in discharge from the penis or vaginal fluid.

In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 1.6 million new infections occur each year.

It is the second most commonly reported bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the US, but the health agency estimates that less than half of new infections go unreported, as many infections are often asymptomatic.

Typical symptoms can include a thick green or yellow discharge from the vagina or penis, painful urination, rectal discomfort and bleeding between periods, according to the NHS.

An untreated infection can lead to infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and can be passed to a child during pregnancy.

Experts have attributed the rise in infections to budget cuts at sexual health clinics across the country, as well as online dating apps.

Apps like Tinder, Grindr, and Bumble make it relatively easy for people to connect with new sexual partners, get to know them quickly, and move on to someone else.

Last year, a report by the Association of Local Governments also revealed that cases of gonorrhea and chlamydia were rising sharply among retirees.

This was attributed to an increasing number of older Britons finding new sexual partners via dating apps after divorce or bereavement.

Gonorrhea can be easily diagnosed, either from a vaginal swab or a urine sample.

All these test samples can be made by yourself and sent for analysis.

Dr Thomas Waite, deputy chief medical officer for the Department of Health and Social Care, said: “Having safe sex and regular testing is important to keep you and your sexual partners safe.”

“Condoms and early detection are absolutely critical to preventing and addressing the rise in gonorrhea cases we are currently seeing.

Cases can be easily diagnosed and treated with antibiotics. Testing is simple: samples are taken quickly, can be collected at home, and mailed for testing, making early detection accessible to everyone.

Dr Claire Dewsnap, president of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, added: “The rise in gonorrhea cases provides an important reminder of the importance of testing for STIs and using a condom every time you have sex.”

“By getting tested at least once a year, regardless of whether you show symptoms, you can help minimize your risk of contracting or transmitting STIs through sex.

‘Delaying access to appropriate care and treatment also carries the risk of developing longer-term problems that may be more difficult to address. If you are concerned about STI transmission, sexual health clinics are available to help.’