Public health officials in England have raised alarms about a surge in antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea cases, warning that the infection could become "untreatable" if the trend of rising antibiotic resistance continues, according to the Mirror.
According to the Mirror, new provisional data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicates an increase in antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea cases.
"Gonorrhoea is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, which could make it untreatable in future. If left untreated, it can cause serious problems like pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility," said Dr. Katy Sinka, Consultant Epidemiologist and Head of the STI section at UKHSA, according to The Independent.
The rise in ceftriaxone-resistant gonorrhoea is alarming because ceftriaxone is the primary antibiotic used by the NHS to treat gonorrhoea. Ceftriaxone-resistant gonorrhoea, known as super-gonorrhoea, occurs when the bacteria have developed the ability to survive and multiply even when exposed to the antibiotic.
Dr. Sinka emphasized the importance of prevention and testing. "The best way to stop STIs is by using a condom. If you've had condomless sex with a new or casual partner, get tested, whatever your age, gender or sexual orientation. This includes when you are having sex abroad. Early detection not only protects your health but prevents transmission to others. Many STIs show no symptoms, which is why regular testing is so important. Testing is quick, free and confidential," she said, according to The Independent.
Symptoms of gonorrhoea include green or yellow discharge from the vagina or penis, pain during urination, and discomfort in the rectum. In women, additional symptoms may include lower abdominal pain, increased vaginal discharge, and abnormal menstrual bleeding. Gonorrhoea can also affect other parts of the body where sexual fluids may contact, leading to symptoms such as pain in the anus, a sore throat, and painful redness of the eye. However, many infected individuals show no symptoms. More than half of female patients and 10–15% of male patients are asymptomatic.
Public health officials warn that while transmission of ceftriaxone-resistant gonorrhoea within England remains low for now, the rise in cases poses a challenge for future treatments. The 17 cases reported from January 2024 to March 2025 have outstripped the 16 total cases seen across 2022 and 2023. Moreover, nine XDR cases were reported in the UK between January 2024 and March 2025—six in 2024 and three in 2025. This represents an increase from the five XDR cases identified between 2022 and 2023.
Health authorities have issued repeated warnings about rising cases of gonorrhoea and other STIs in England. Officials urge anyone who has had condomless sex with a new or casual partner to get tested, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation.
Gonorrhoea is a disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is transmitted through sexual contact. It can cause major problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and serious complications affecting the brain, heart, and nerves if left untreated.
Individuals can get tested at local sexual health clinics, university and college medical centres, or through self-sampling kits ordered online and sent discreetly through the post.
The UKHSA reports that while the rate of super-gonorrhoea is on the rise, it is still a rare disease.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.