Warning issued over surge in ‘untreatable’ STI you could have without realising
Topics: Health, Sex and Relationships, NHS, UK News
Britt Jones
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
Topics: Health, Sex and Relationships, NHS, UK News
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned Brits that cases of a 'super' STI are steadily on the rise - and to make things worse, it could become 'untreatable' in the future.
In a press release from today (27 March), the UKHSA revealed that 42 cases of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea have been reported since the disease's discovery in 2015, and they are becoming more frequent.
From January 2024 to 20 March, 2025, 17 cases were reported in the UK, with 13 being from last year while this year has seen only four so far.
Before you start becoming stressed, those numbers are still relatively low, according to the UKSHA, but it was still an increase from the previous years as 16 cases were reported across 2022-2023.
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However, as the disease continues to evolve, the likelihood of treatment is becoming slimmer.
Symptoms of gonorrhoea sometimes don't present themselves, however, when they do, signs of the STI are often yellow or greenish discharge from your genitals, burning while peeing, and pain in your lower abdomen or testicles, according to the NHS.
If left untreated, the long-term effects of untreated gonorrhoea can actually render patients infertile or force them to suffer with inflammation of the pelvis.
The UKHSA say the cases reported this year are those where the infection is resistant to ceftriaxone, which is the primary antibiotic used to treat it, known as XDR.
Nine cases of XDR gonorrhoea have been reported from January 2024 to March this year, which is almost double the amount from 2022 and 2023.
Dr Katy Sinka, head of UKHSA's STI section, said: “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.”
The UKSHA say that many of the cases in the UK have been linked to those traveling to the Asia-Pacific region, and so have recommended anyone who's thinking of engaging in some fun on holiday to do so protected.
Dr Sinka continued: “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.”
As well as gonorrhoea, the UKSHA has also issued a warning to be vigilant for symptoms of syphilis, which can also cause 'serious, irreversible complications affecting the brain, heart and nerves'.
Stay safe out there.