The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that cases of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea are on the rise, with the STI particularly prevalent in several popular destinations
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that cases of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea are on the rise, with the STI particularly prevalent in several popular destinations
Travel
Lauren Haughey Lifestyle and Money Reporter
11:21, 02 Apr 2025
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning about the rise in antibiotic-resistant cases of gonorrhoea, particularly in popular tourist destinations. The agency emphasised that one precaution is ‘just as important’ as applying sunscreen, especially as many Brits prepare for their Easter holidays.
“Our latest data shows a rise in antibiotic-resistant #Gonorrhoea cases, particularly in popular tourist destinations across the Asia-Pacific region,” the UKHSA said in an X post yesterday. In an associated blog post, it added: “When enjoying holidays overseas, practising safer sex is just as important as getting travel insurance or applying sunscreen.
“STIs can pose a serious risk to health, so there is a need to use condoms consistently and correctly with all new or casual partners.” Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) typically spread through having condomless sexual intercourse, according to NHS advice.
While it is usually treatable with antibiotics, there’s a worrying increase in medication-resistant infections. These are often referred to as ‘super-gonorrhoea’ cases and are now particularly common in countries such as Thailand, China, Cambodia and Vietnam.
“Gonorrhoea has developed resistance to various antibiotics, including ceftriaxone – considered the ‘last-line’ treatment option,” the UKHSA’s blog post continued. “This means healthcare providers have limited alternatives when this treatment fails.
“While ceftriaxone resistance remains uncommon in the UK, cases are being detected with increasing frequency.” Concerning figures suggest that ceftriaxone-resistant cases have risen from around two per year until 2021 to two per month in 2024.
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The UKHSA has said that most cases were linked to foreign travel, with several considered ‘extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains’ invulnerable to more than one type of treatment.
Amidst this, Brits are now urged to stay aware of key gonorrhoea symptoms. For women, this generally includes the following:
- Bleeding between periods (although it is rare)
- Yellow or greenish discharge from the vagina
- Burning pain while urinating
- Pain in the lower abdomen
On the other hand, men more frequently experience:
- Fluid or discharge coming out of the penis
- Burning while urinating
- Sore testicles
It’s also emphasised that gonorrhoea can affect other body parts that come into contact with sexual fluids – the NHS has reported sore throats, anal itching or discharge, and eye inflammation as some additional signs to watch for.
If left unchecked, gonorrhoea can lead to serious complications. In men, this might result in infections of the prostate or testicles, while women may face pelvic inflammatory disease that could lead to infertility.
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The UKHSA has now urged travellers to get checked for gonorrhoea upon returning to the UK if they’ve engaged in unprotected sex while holidaying. This is crucial even if no symptoms are present, as they can take weeks or even months to appear.
In some instances, gonorrhoea may not exhibit any symptoms at all. For prospective travellers, the UKHSA added: “When you are planning a trip abroad, visit the Travel Health Pro website to find out more about health risks in your destination.
“With resistant infections becoming more common prevention remains crucial. Using condoms with new or casual partners is the best way to protect yourself both at home and abroad.”
How can I get tested for gonorrhoea?
If you’re concerned about your symptoms or believe you’re at risk of gonorrhoea, you can request a self-testing kit to use at home. This usually involves taking a swab or urine test and sending the sample to a lab for further analysis.
You can also visit your local sexual health clinic, which can assist with testing and potential treatment for STIs. The NHS website states: “The sooner you get treatment, the easier these complications are to treat.”
