There has been a surge in cases of gonorrhoea across the UK, the UK Health Security Agency has warned.
Cases are currently up by a fifth on the previous highest year, the Mirror reports, and people with multiple sexual partners have been reminded to wear a condom and get tested regularly, as this can prevent unwanted pregnancies and STI transmissions. Gonorrhoea can easily be treated with antibiotics in most cases, but can have serious repercussions if it goes untreated for a long period, including infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease.
The UKHSA said the surge was down to those aged 15 to 24. In Liverpool, data from 2019-2021 showed testing rates were lowest for 16-17 and 18-19 year olds.
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Dr Thomas Waite, the Government’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said: “Having safe sex and getting tested regularly is important to keep you and your sexual partners safe.
“Condoms and early detection are absolutely fundamental in preventing and addressing the rise in cases we are currently seeing of gonorrhoea. Cases can be diagnosed easily and treated with antibiotics.
"Testing is simple. Samples are quick to take, can be collected at home, and sent off by post for analysis, making early detection accessible to everyone.”
The total number of gonorrhoea diagnoses from January to September 2022 was 56,327 in England. This was 21% higher when compared to the same period in 2019 - the year when the highest number of diagnoses was reported.
Data from Liverpool City Council showed that in 2021 Liverpool had excellent partner notification rates, which measures the success of people who are diagnosed with an STI in contacting their previous sexual partners to inform them.
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Symptoms of gonorrhoea
Typical symptoms of gonorrhoea include a thick green or yellow discharge, pain when urinating, pain and discomfort in the rectum, lower abdominal pain and bleeding between periods. However, the UKHSA have warned that it is possible to be infected with gonorrhoea and have no symptoms at all, meaning that being regularly tested, especially when having sex with new partners, is extremely important.
Dr Katy Sinka, head of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at the UKHSA, said: “Condoms aren’t just about preventing unwanted pregnancy; they are the main defence against STIs. If you have had condomless sex with a new or casual partner, it is even more important to get tested to detect any potential infections early and prevent passing them on to others.
“You can get free condoms at your local sexual health clinic and if you’re under 25, you can also get them online.”
Liverpool testing centres
Students can be tested an treated in confidence for STIs at:
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Student Health Centre 150 Mount Pleasant or SHAC Carnatic Halls, 0151 285 4578.
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Brook Clinic 81 London Road, 0151 207 4000.
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GUM Liverpool Centre for Sexual Health Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Prescot Street, 0151 706 2620
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Abacus 6 David Lewis Street, 0151 247 6500.
You can also access self-sampling kits that are sent discreetly through the post.
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.”
To find an STI service near you visit www.nhs.uk
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