UK Health Security Agency Warns University Students About Gonorrhoea Surge During Freshers Week
Health officials have issued a warning to university students, advising them to use condoms during freshers week as gonorrhoea cases reach a record high. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has highlighted the ‘very real danger’ of contracting the sexually transmitted infection (STI) if engaging in condomless sex.
In 2022, gonorrhoea diagnoses skyrocketed to 82,592 cases, marking a significant increase of 50.2% compared to the previous year. This is the highest figure since records started in 1918. Young individuals aged 15 to 24 are most susceptible to this infection, with around 400 in this age group being diagnosed every day in the previous year. The hotspots for gonorrhoea in the UK are London, Liverpool, and Manchester.
Data from the UKHSA shows that gonorrhoea diagnoses have reached a record high in 2022, after experiencing a decline during the Covid-19 lockdown. The number of gonorrhoea tests closely followed a similar trend.
Dr Katy Sinka, head of STIs at the UKHSA, emphasized the importance of practicing safe sex, especially during the transition into university. She stated, “Starting university can be an exciting time. But it is very important to be aware of the risks of catching STIs from condomless sex. STIs can have serious consequences, and there are very high numbers of STIs at the moment. However, there are some easy steps you can take to reduce your risk of infection. Condoms are the best defense against STIs.”
The UKHSA highlighted that the significant rise in gonorrhoea cases indicates increased transmission within the community, although some of it could be attributed to increased testing. The 82,592 cases in 2022 represent a 16.1% increase from 2019, before the pandemic hit. The data also revealed that individuals aged 15 to 24 were more likely to test positive for STIs.
UKHSA data demonstrates that other STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis, have also seen a sharp rise in diagnoses in 2022. Syphilis diagnoses are shown on a separate axis due to their higher numbers.
Health officials believe that the ban on mixing households and temporary closures of bars and nightclubs during the Covid-19 crisis led to an increase in condomless sex among individuals engaging with new or casual partners.
Gonorrhoea is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is primarily found in discharge from the penis and vaginal fluid. It is easily transmitted through unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex, as well as sharing unwashed or uncovered sex toys. Common symptoms include abnormal discharge, pain during urination, and, in women, bleeding between periods. However, a significant number of infected men and women may not experience any symptoms.
Gonorrhoea can be diagnosed at sexual health clinics or GP surgeries through swab tests. It can usually be treated with a single antibiotic injection. Delayed or untreated gonorrhoea can lead to serious long-term problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.
Head of Nursing at Brook, a sexual health and wellbeing charity, Laura Domegan, encourages individuals to get tested if they have had unprotected sex. She stresses that anyone can contract an STI, regardless of their sexual experience, and that not all STIs exhibit symptoms.
What is Gonorrhoea?
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual activities or sharing sex toys without condoms. Gonorrhoea can affect various parts of the body, including the genitals, rectum, throat, and eyes. It may also be transmitted from pregnant women to their unborn babies. Typical symptoms include abnormal discharge, pain during urination, and bleeding between periods in women. Treatment usually involves a single antibiotic injection and tablet. The use of condoms during sex and refraining from sharing sex toys are effective methods to prevent gonorrhoea.
Source: NHS Choices
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
