The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning over rising cases of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea, which could become untreatable in future. Between January 2024 and March 2025, 17 cases resistant to the first-line antibiotic ceftriaxone were reported, with four in 2025 alone. This compares to 16 cases across 2022 and 2023.
Of particular concern are nine cases of “extensively drug resistant” gonorrhoea recorded in 2024 and 2025, where the infection could not be treated with either ceftriaxone or second-line antibiotics. Ceftriaxone-resistant gonorrhoea was first detected in England in 2015, with 42 cases since then, mostly linked to the Asia-Pacific region.
Dr Katy Sinka, consultant epidemiologist and head of the STI section at UKHSA, 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.”
Gonorrhoea often shows no symptoms but can cause green or yellow discharge, pain when urinating, and in women, lower abdominal pain or bleeding between periods. The bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae has been placed on the UKHSA’s “priority pathogen” watch list.
Health officials urge anyone who has had unprotected sex with a new partner to get tested, as early detection prevents transmission. Dr Sinka added: “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.”
