Collection

Gonorrhoea: guidance, data and analysis

The surveillance, epidemiology, diagnosis and management of gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae).

Gonorrhoea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is the second most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK.

Gonorrhoea is transmitted through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal intercourse or genital contact with an infected partner. An infected person may have no symptoms but still transmit the infection. Occasionally, gonorrhoea can cause serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility.

Further information on gonorrhoea is available on NHS.UK.

Epidemiology

Data collection

Diagnosis, treatment and management

The British Association for Sexual Health & HIV (BASHH) issues UK national guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and management of all sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhoea.

Updates to this page

Published 15 September 2010
Last updated 6 September 2024 + show all updates
  1. The new page "Ceftriaxone-resistant gonorrhoea in England" was added to the epidemiology sub-group.

  2. Added 'Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) in England'.

  3. Added 'Ceftriaxone-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae: incident management'.

  4. Added 'Multi-drug Resistant Gonorrhoea in England: 2018 under epidemiology.

  5. Added HPR 10(15) 'High level azithromycin resistant gonorrhoea in England' under epidemiology.

  6. First published.