Gonorrhoea on the increase in Greater Newcastle

Hunter New England Health is encouraging people to have regular sexual health checks and to practise safe sex following an increase in the number of notifications of Gonorrhoea in the Greater Newcastle region this year.

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). To date there have been 22 cases for 2008 compared to 11 for the same period in 2007, six cases in 2006 and eight cases in 2005, and seven in 2004.

Hunter New England Health Public Health Physician Dr Tony Merritt said many of the cases this year have been males.

“Many of these notifications have been men, both heterosexual and gay across a broad range of ages.”

“Importantly, Gonorrhoea often causes no symptoms and people may not be aware that they are infected. When symptoms are present, they can include discharge from the penis or vagina and pain when passing urine.”

A sexual health check for Gonorrhoea is a simple process and can be arranged with a GP or through the local sexual health clinic.

“Too many people are unwittingly infecting their partners and the only way to ensure that you do not have an STI such as Gonorrhoea is to have a sexual health check at your doctor,” Dr Merritt said.

Condoms offer good protection against STIs such as Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia and are an important part of practising safe sex.

“There is a high awareness about the benefits of condom use but it can be a very different story when it comes time to put that knowledge into practice.”

“People often don't consider themselves at risk or find it embarrassing to talk about using a condom with their partner,” Dr Merritt said.

"People can help themselves and their partners by making condom use normal, and not something that has to be requested.

“The message is simple. If you are sexually active, it is essential to use condoms and have regular sexual health tests at your GP or sexual health clinic so that you know you’re STI free,” Dr Merritt said.

Contact: Tanya Carlyle

Phone: (02) 4939 2602