The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned those with new or multiple sexual partners to get tested as cases of gonorrhoea continue to surge. Cases in England, including Bristol, rose sharply since the easing of the Covid lockdown restrictions in 2021 and have consistably remained above 2019 levels.
Provisional data published on Thursday 16 March indicates that gonorrhoea diagnoses from January to September 2022 in the UK were 21 per cent higher than those reported over the same period in 2019. Data also indicates that during the first nine months of 2022, gonorrhoea cases were higher than those reported over the same period in each of the last three years.
The UKHSA reminds people to wear a condom and get tested regularly if having sex with new or casual partners. Testing is free, discrete and even people not showing any symptoms are encouraged to get tested.
Read more: South West sees sharp rise in gonorrhoea cases as protection warning issued
The data shows that the total number of gonorrhoea diagnoses from January to September 2022 (56,327) was 21 per cent higher when compared to the same period in 2019 (46,541), the year when the highest number of diagnoses was reported. Young people (15-24) are still the most likely to get diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) due to a more frequent change in partners.
While STIs are usually treated easily with antibiotics, some - including gonorrhoea - can have serious consequences. These can include serious health issues such as infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease.
Typical symptoms of gonorrhoea include a thick green or yellow discharge from the vagina or penis, pain when urinating, pain and discomfort in the rectum and, in people with a uterus or ovaries, lower abdominal pain and bleeding between periods. Christina Gray, Director of Public Health at Bristol City Council, said: "We have seen a significant increase in gonorrhoea cases in Bristol recently.
“Using a condom is one of the best preventative ways to avoid catching and spreading STIs, including gonorrhoea. Free condoms are available through the C-Card scheme for anyone under 19, and free condoms can also be collected from Unity Sexual Health.
“A range of options are available in Bristol for people to get tested for gonorrhoea. Tests can be done at home or at a sexual health clinic. Home tests can be ordered online for free from the Unity Sexual Health website or collected from one of the vending machines at the Watershed and Hamilton House.
“We want people to be empowered to look after their sexual health by using condoms and testing regularly.”
Health officials have previously seen cases of gonorrhoea which are resistant to ceftriaxone, the most common antibiotic to treat the disease. While these cases are rare, it should serve as a reminder to anyone having unprotected sex to get tested regularly to ensure a quick diagnosis and appropriate care.
Dr Claire Dewsnap, President of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, said: “The rise in gonorrhoea cases provides an important reminder of the importance of testing for STIs and wearing a condom every time you have sex. By getting tested at least once a year, regardless of whether you’re showing symptoms, you can help minimise the risk of catching or passing on STIs when having sex.
"Delaying access to the right care and treatment also risks developing longer term problems which can be more difficult to address. If you are concerned about STI transmission, sexual health clinics are on hand to help.”
Regular testing for STIs and HIV is essential to maintain good sexual health. Testing is free and can be accessed through local sexual health clinics, university and college medical centres or through self-sampling kits sent discreetly through the post.
Unity Sexual Health provide free and confidential sexual health services in Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire. More information is available on their website, including how to order a free test kit and where to get free condoms www.unitysexualhealth.co.uk.
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