Gonorrhoea Cases Soar in England Post-COVID
Gonorrhoea infections have surged in England since COVID-19 restrictions eased in 2021. Provisional data reveals a sharp 21% jump in gonorrhoea diagnoses from January to September 2022 compared to the same period in 2019.
Youth Hit Hardest as STI Rates Climb
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warns that young people aged 15 to 24 remain the most vulnerable due to frequent new sexual partners. Although gonorrhoea is usually treatable with antibiotics, ignoring it can lead to severe health problems like infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease.
- 56,327 gonorrhoea cases recorded Jan-Sept 2022
- Up from 46,541 cases in Jan-Sept 2019
- Symptoms: green/yellow discharge, pain when urinating, rectal discomfort, and abdominal pain in women
- Many infections show no symptoms, especially in throat, vagina, or rectum
Experts Urge Safe Sex and Regular Testing
Dr Katy Sinka, UKHSA: “Condoms aren’t just about preventing pregnancy; they are your main defence against STIs. If you’ve had condomless sex with a new or casual partner, get tested immediately to catch infections early and stop spreading them.”
“Free condoms are available at sexual health clinics, and under-25s can get them online.”
Dr Thomas Waite, Deputy Chief Medical Officer: “Safe sex and regular testing keep you and your partners safe. Early detection is key to tackling the rise in gonorrhoea cases. Testing is quick, easy, and can even be done at home with postal kits.”
Dr Claire Dewsnap, President, British Association for Sexual Health and HIV: “The rise in gonorrhoea reminds us why testing yearly—even if symptom-free—is crucial. Delaying care risks serious long-term issues. Sexual health clinics are ready to help.”
Antibiotic Resistance Warning
While ceftriaxone-resistant gonorrhoea cases are still rare, they highlight the importance of condom use and regular testing. Gonorrhoea is treatable, but only if caught early. Protect yourself and your partners by using condoms consistently with new or casual lovers.
Testing for STIs and HIV is free and confidential. You can visit local sexual health clinics, university health centres, or order discreet self-sampling kits by post.
