Rising Cases & Antibiotic Resistance: Know the Facts
Gonorrhoea cases have doubled in a decade. Antibiotic-resistant strains are emerging. Multi-site testing is essential. Get tested with results in 2 days.
Gonorrhoea is a bacterial STI caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae that can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat. Cases have risen dramatically in recent years, and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains is a major public health concern. Untreated gonorrhoea can cause serious complications including infertility, and increases HIV transmission risk.
Gonorrhoea is diagnosed using NAAT/PCR testing, which is highly sensitive and specific. We test from all relevant sites based on sexual history - urine and/or urethral swab, vaginal/cervical swab, throat swab, and rectal swab. Testing multiple sites is crucial as infections at different sites are often independent.
Due to antibiotic resistance, UK guidelines now recommend dual therapy: ceftriaxone injection plus azithromycin. A test of cure is recommended 2 weeks after treatment to confirm clearance. All recent partners need testing and treatment. Avoid sex until you and your partner(s) have completed treatment and test of cure is negative.
Gonorrhoea has developed resistance to almost every antibiotic used against it over the decades. This is why we now use dual therapy. Treatment-resistant cases are monitored nationally. Always complete your treatment and attend test of cure.
Yes, throat gonorrhoea is usually asymptomatic or causes only mild symptoms. It's commonly missed if not specifically tested. If you've had oral sex, request a throat swab as part of your STI screen.
PCR testing can detect gonorrhoea from about 2 days after exposure, though we often recommend testing at 2 weeks for optimal accuracy. If you have symptoms, test immediately regardless of timing.
Possible explanations include: your partner was tested too early, they weren't tested from all relevant sites, they had a different source of infection, or (rarely) a false negative result. Both partners should be retested if there's discrepancy.
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Gonorrhoea can infect the throat through oral sex, and most cases cause no symptoms. Learn about the risks, how to get tested, and effective ways to protect yourself.
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