2 minutes read2 minutes readThe number of Gonorrhoea diagnoses is at its highest rates in decades. Two new cases of super Gonorrhoea heightens existing fears that the infection is becoming rife amongst the UK population. This particular strain is increasingly rampant in the UK and experts are worried about a widespread outbreak.
As with last year’s first worst case of super Gonorrhoea in the UK, doctors were unable to treat both women with first-line treatments. Both cases have now been successfully treated, however, the second case required three days of treatment injected into her system. Public Health England is trying to follow up on the two women’s sexual contacts in an attempt to reduce the risk of more people becoming infected.
Travel and a relaxed attitude towards sexual relations is certainly contributing to the rise in STIs. No one wants to worry about STIs when on holiday or on a business trip, but the reality is they are out there – just waiting for a chance to hitch a ride home with you in your pants.
– Mike Asher, CEO and Chairman of Better2Know
Gonorrhoea is the UK’s second most common sexually transmitted infection. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 78 million people are infected each year worldwide.
Using condoms consistently and correctly is extremely important, particularly with new or casual sexual partners, as is rapid testing for HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia. If you are experiencing any symptoms, or are worried about your sexual health in general, you should make an appointment at your local sexual health clinic at your earliest convenience.
Super Gonorrhoea Symptoms
An estimated five in ten women and one in ten men will not suffer from any symptoms of Gonorrhoea. This puts you at risk of not getting the treatment you need for your infection. Signs of a Gonorrhoea infection may appear within ten days for men, whilst women can experience no symptoms at all.
If you have been infected with Gonorrhoea, you can suffer from:
- Green or yellow discharge from the vagina or penis
- Pain when urinating
- Discomfort around the lower abdominal area
- Inflammation or swelling around the genitals
- Sore throat
- Abnormal bleeding
For more information on Gonorrhoea, you can download our STI factsheet.
Sources
[1] British Associated for Sexual Health and HIV: New Reports of Extensively-Drug-Resistant Gonorrhoea Pose Significant Risks for Sexual Health
[2] The Independent: What is Super Gonorrhoea, what are the symptoms and how can it be treated?
[3] NHS: Gonorrhoea Symptoms
[4] The Daily Star: Super-gonorrhoea hits UK as TWO women diagnosed with resistant STI
