June 11th 2024.
The number of young people diagnosed with gonorrhoea in the UK has increased significantly, according to recent figures from the UK Health Security Agency. In England alone, a record number of cases were reported last year, with a 7.5% rise from the previous year. This is also reflective of an overall increase in sexually transmitted infections by 4.5% during the same time period.
The demographic most affected by this rise in gonorrhoea cases were 15 to 24-year-olds, men who have sex with men, and black Caribbean individuals. Previous data has also shown that inner London boroughs were particularly affected. While part of the increase can be attributed to more frequent testing, experts from the British Association of Sexual Health and HIV have expressed concern about the pressure on healthcare services.
Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium neisseria gonorrhoeae. While it can be treated, it can lead to serious health complications if left untreated, especially for women. Dr. Babak Ashrafi, a general practitioner specializing in sexual health, explains that in women, untreated gonorrhoea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause infertility and chronic pelvic pain. In men, it can cause epididymitis, a painful inflammation of the testicles. Gonorrhoea can also increase the risk of contracting and transmitting other STIs, such as HIV, and can even spread to the bloodstream, leading to a life-threatening condition known as disseminated gonococcal infection.
So how is gonorrhoea transmitted? The most common way is through unprotected sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also be passed from a pregnant mother to her baby. However, it cannot be transmitted through non-invasive bodily contact like kissing or hugging.
Symptoms of gonorrhoea include discharge from the genitals, pain or burning during urination, pain during sexual intercourse for women, and abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods. However, it's worth noting that some people with gonorrhoea may not experience any symptoms at all. In fact, one in 10 men and almost half of women do not experience any symptoms.
To avoid catching gonorrhoea, it's important to always practice safe sex, especially with new partners, and even during oral sex. This means using condoms, not sharing sex toys, and getting regularly tested for STIs.
If gonorrhoea is not treated correctly or if the infection is resistant to antibiotics, it can persist in the body. This can happen due to incorrect diagnosis or if unprotected sex continues with an infected partner. In case of treatment failure, it's crucial to seek medical advice immediately. Your doctor may recommend additional testing and prescribe a different antibiotic regimen.
There is also a concern about antibiotic-resistant strains of gonorrhoea, known as super-gonorrhoea. To prevent its spread, it's important to always practice safe sex, get tested regularly for STIs, and use antibiotics only as prescribed by a healthcare provider. It's also essential to inform your healthcare provider if you have recently traveled to areas where antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea is prevalent.
It's important to remember that STIs are common and nothing to be embarrassed about. If you think you may have gonorrhoea, make sure to speak to a healthcare professional and get treated as soon as possible. Remember, your health is a priority, and seeking medical help is nothing to be ashamed of.
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