Safe sex message as infections on rise Surge in gonorrhoea cases among 19 to 25-year-olds
Health chiefs in Forth Valley have urged people to practise safer sex and get tested if they feel at risk after a surge in local gonorrhoea cases.
According to local data, 164 cases of the sexually transmitted infection were reported in Forth Valley in 2019 but that figure has risen up to more than 270 in 2022.
The biggest increase in these cases was recorded among young people aged between 19 and 25.
Alongside several other health boards across Scotland, sexual health experts in Forth Valley are now encouraging anyone who has had unprotected sex to get tested and stress the importance of using condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.
Gonorrhoea can be passed on from mother to baby at time of birth and can cause a severe eye infection in newly-born infants, so it’s important to get checked if pregnant and feel at risk of possible infection.
Among the symptoms of the disease are: green or yellow fluid coming out of the penis; pain or a burning sensation when passing urine; discomfort and swelling of the testicles; a change in vaginal discharge; pain in the lower tummy, particularly during sex; bleeding in between periods or after sex.
NHS Forth Valley consultant in HIV and genito urinary medicine, Dr Kirsty Abu-rajab, said: “The best way to prevent sexually transmitted infections is to practice safer sex by using a condom and get tested if you have been at risk.
“Gonorrhoea infection is spread by unprotected vaginal, oral and anal sex and can also infect the throat and eyes.
“However, many people with gonorrhoea will not experience any symptoms and are at risk of passing the infection on to others. If left untreated, gonorrhoea can cause serious health problems and complications, including infertility in both men and women.”
People are being encouraged to contact local sexual health services, appointments can be booked by calling 01324 673554 on