New Gonorrhoea cases increase 25% in the UK

The latest figures published by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) show that the new number of people with gonorrhoea in 2011 was 21,000 in the UK , up from 17,000 in 2010.  Most of the new cases were in young people aged 25 or under.

“The 25 per cent increase in new gonorrhoea diagnoses in 2011, plus high rates of repeat infection and co-infection with other STIs, shows more must be done to encourage safer sexual behaviour through health promotion and ensuring easy access to sexual health services and screening.” said Dr Gwenda Hughes, head of STI surveillance at the HPA.

Gonorrhoea is developing resistance to antibiotics used to treat it.  With some strains now being treated with two different antibiotics at the same time, one of which is an injection.  Gonorrhoea can cause infertility and long term discomfort if not treated.

Better2Know tests for gonorrhoea at all of its nationwide clinics.  It is included in our platinum, full, comfort and peace of mind screens.