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Gonorrhea Could Be Antibiotic Resistant In The Next Decade

The most common STDs have been on the rise in recent years.

With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calling it an "epidemic" and without the demand for pharmaceutical companies to produce new drugs, the U.S. Could see antibiotic resistance to sexually transmitted diseases in the next five to 10 years — and young people on college campuses are especially prone.

Antibiotic resistance is the ability of bacteria to resist the effects of the drugs used to treat them. Meaning, the bacteria are no longer killed by a drug that used to kill them before, and the bacteria are then free to keep multiplying, according to recent reports released by the CDC.

"The gonorrhea organism is very adaptable and very smart," said Candy Hadsall, a prevention nurse specialist at the Minnesota Department of Health. "So every time it [is introduced to] a new drug, it starts working to figure out how to get around it." 

This has been the case throughout history, as gonorrhea has become resistant to medications like penicillin and other previous treatments.

There have not been any documented cases in the U.S. Of antibiotic resistance to gonorrhea when the recommended treatment has been used. However, both the U.K. And Canada have seen cases of the infection that could not be treated with the commonly applied antibiotics. The CDC recommends a single shot of ceftriaxone and an oral dosage of azithromycin. 

Yet lab studies have found resistance to previously recommended treatments, and antibiotic resistant gonorrhea is listed as one of only three "urgent" threats on the CDC's website. 

Among University of Minnesota students who have been sexually active within their lifetime, 9.3 percent reported being diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection, with chlamydia being the most commonly diagnosed, according to the most recent student survey released by Boynton Health in 2015.  

More than two million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis were reported in the U.S. In 2016 — the highest number ever, reports the CDC. Nationally, gonorrhea has seen 67 percent increase since 2013, according to data from the CDC. 

"We know that's only a fraction of the sexually transmitted infections that occur, because some [have no symptoms] and they never get diagnosed or reported," said Elizabeth Torrone, an epidemiologist in the CDC division of STD prevention. "And some STIs are not reportable conditions."

There have been considerable increases in reported STDs over the past five years, especially gonorrhea, Torrone said. 

The reasons for the increase are varied. Potential causes are a mixture of changing sexual practices and that more people are getting screened and treated. But such drastic increases, especially with gonorrhea, suggest that more people being screened cannot account for the increase alone, said Torrone.

People of color, as well as young women between the ages of 15 to 24, are disproportionately affected by STDs, but are also the least likely to know they are infected. The majority of women do not develop symptoms when they develop gonorrhea, which can result in not seeking medical care. Untreated sexually transmitted infections and diseases can lead to long term complications such as infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancies, and can in rare cases result in death if untreated. 

With the increase in drug-resistant STDs, pharmaceutical companies are pushed to develop new medications. However, there isn't enough money to be made in STDs, Hadsall said. 

There is another oral medication that works against gonorrhea  – cefixime – but after one company's patent expired, the company decided to cease its production. Now, the only company that makes the oral medication is located in India, and they can charge any price they choose, she said. 

"Some places pay $20, some pay $100 just for a capsule," Hadsall said. As a result, many pharmacies are no longer stocking the medication.

It's critical that individuals and communities take steps to fight antibiotic resistance, Torrone said. 

"We're taking a multi-pronged approach to prevent the emerge of resistance," she said.

At the University, young people should make sure to get tested annually and use protective barriers during intercourse, said Melissa Koe, a coordinator for the Sexual Health Awareness and Disease Education group. SHADE is a peer health student group run out of Boynton Health and a resource to University students.

"We make sexual health supplies and knowledge more accessible and reliable to students," Koe said. 

Organizations like the CDC and the Minnesota Department of Health are working on surveying the problem to make sure that the most effective treatment is being recommended for the strains circulating a community. 

"We also work closely with health care providers to make sure people most at risk for STIs like gonorrhea are being screened as well," Torrone said. 

Doctors Warn As Superbug Gonorrhea Hits Young Adults

A dangerous strain of gonorrhea threatens millions as experts reveal essential protection methods

A dangerous new strain of gonorrhea has medical professionals deeply concerned. This antibiotic-resistant "superbug" version of the sexually transmitted disease poses unprecedented risks, particularly to young adults. With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting 820,000 annual gonorrhea cases in the United States alone, the potential impact of this resistant strain has health experts raising urgent warnings.

Understanding the scope of the threat

The statistics paint a sobering picture of vulnerability, especially among young adults. Of the hundreds of thousands affected each year, more than 570,000 cases occur in people ages 15-24. These numbers become even more alarming when considering the potential spread of this antibiotic-resistant strain.

Why this superbug differs from regular gonorrhea

Traditional gonorrhea, while serious, has been treatable with antibiotics. This new strain, however, demonstrates remarkable resistance to conventional treatments. The bacteria thrive in the warm, moist environments of the reproductive tract, including the cervix and uterus, making it particularly aggressive and difficult to combat once contracted.

Medical professionals emphasize several crucial protective measures to guard against this emerging threat. These methods prove effective not only against this new strain but also against other sexually transmitted infections.

The primary line of defense

Barrier protection remains the most effective preventive measure against sexually transmitted infections, including this new strain. Medical experts consistently emphasize the importance of using protection during every sexual encounter. This simple step significantly reduces transmission risk.

Alternative protection options

Female barrier methods provide an excellent alternative when traditional protection isn't available or preferred. These options give women control over their sexual health, regardless of their partner's preferences. They offer similar levels of protection against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

Healthcare providers stress the importance of protection during all types of intimate contact. Barrier methods designed specifically for oral-genital or oral-anal contact provide essential protection against disease transmission in these situations.

Open dialogue about sexual health plays a crucial role in prevention. Medical professionals emphasize that frank discussions about sexual history and health status should precede intimate contact. This conversation, while potentially uncomfortable, provides essential information for making informed decisions about sexual health.

Understanding testing and treatment

Regular testing becomes increasingly important with the emergence of this resistant strain. Healthcare providers recommend routine screenings for sexually active individuals, particularly those under 25 or with multiple partners.

Early detection can make a crucial difference in treatment outcomes. Common symptoms may include: Unusual discharge, burning sensations, swelling or redness, discomfort or pain, severe pelvic inflammation, bleeding between periods, painful urination, and throat soreness from oral contact. However, many infections show no obvious symptoms, making regular testing essential.

The role of preventive healthcare

Regular medical check-ups play a vital role in maintaining sexual health. Healthcare providers can offer personalized advice based on individual circumstances and risk factors. They can also provide the most current information about emerging threats and prevention strategies.

Medical researchers continue working to develop new treatments for antibiotic-resistant strains. Until these become available, prevention remains the best strategy. Global health experts warn this superbug could spread rapidly across continents. Understanding and implementing protective measures helps reduce personal risk while contributing to public health.

Making informed decisions

Knowledge empowers better health choices. Understanding the risks associated with this new strain, combined with awareness of effective prevention methods, helps individuals make informed decisions about their sexual health.

Remember, sexual health requires ongoing attention and care. As this new strain emerges, staying informed and taking appropriate precautions becomes increasingly important. Consulting healthcare providers for personalized advice and regular screenings provides the best defense against this evolving threat.

STIs In The USA: These Are The States Where You're Most At Risk Of Catching A Sexually Transmitted Infection

Some places carry a higher risk of sexually transmitted diseases — where does your home state land?

New data from Universal Drugstore revealed the STD hotspots across the country, according to the company's "Sexual Health Index."

Mississippi, for one, was ranked as the "worst affected" by sexually transmitted infections, with one of the highest chlamydia rates in the nation of 700 cases per 100,000 people.

Mississippi was the "worst affected" US state in terms of STI cases. NanSan – stock.Adobe.Com

The southern state, which was assigned a rating of 9.64 out of 10, also had the lowest rate for HPV vaccination, ringing in at 38.5% — over 20% lower than the country's average.

Trailing behind was the northern state of Alaska, which was given a score of 8.47. While its low STI case number is deceiving, the small population size makes its rates" one of the worst affected.

In Alaska, rates of gonorrhea infection are 251.1 per 100,000 people, while rates of chlamydia are 700.9 per 100,000 residents.

In third place is North Carolina, with a score of 8.37 and a chlamydia infection rate of nearly 608 in 100,000 people, followed by Alabama in fourth, Arkansas in fifth, and Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina, Nevada and Florida rounding out the top 10.

HIV, the incurable virus that can lead to AIDS if not treated, is most prevalent in Georgia, with 23.1 cases per 100,000 residents, a figure that is more than double the national average. On the other hand, Minnesota has the fewest HIV cases, with only 4.5 per 100,000 people.

People ages 20-24 had the highest rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea. Getty Images

However, HIV infections have increased the most in Arkansas, which saw a 66.7% surge in cases since 2018.

For reference, according to Universal Drugstore, the US as a whole saw a 13.5% decline in HIV cases between 2018 and 2020.

The prescription company also broke down infection rates by age groups, revealing that people aged 20 to 24 comprised the most cases of chlamydia, with 542,040 reported infections.

The same age range also had the highest reported number of gonorrhea infection, which was reported to be 142,526 cases.

Dr. Jamie Winn, the medical director at Universal Drugstore, believes that comprehensive sex education is key to informing young people about the risks of STIs — and how to prevent them — considering the "rampant STI rates across the country."

"While it is true that abstinence is the only 100% effective way to prevent teen pregnancy and STIs, teenagers are notoriously experimental, so it is careless to think that this form of sex education alone will make a positive difference," Winn said in a statement.

"Having access to a comprehensive sex education curriculum gives students the information they need to be safe if they choose to explore, aiding both personal development and mental well-being."

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