References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
“Super gonorrhoea” is a media term for strains of gonorrhoea that have developed resistance to the antibiotics normally used to treat it. While current first-line treatment (ceftriaxone) still works for most people, isolated cases of resistance have been reported globally, raising concern about future treatability.
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What Makes It “Super”?
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Resistance | Reduced susceptibility to ceftriaxone or azithromycin |
| Treatment failure | Standard treatment doesn’t clear the infection |
| Spread | Can transmit resistant bacteria to partners |
| Detection | Requires culture and resistance testing |
How Common Is It?
True extensively drug-resistant gonorrhoea is rare in the UK. Most cases still respond to ceftriaxone. However, surveillance has detected increasing minimum inhibitory concentrations, suggesting resistance is creeping upward.
Why It Happens
- Gonorrhoea naturally acquires resistance genes
- Overuse and misuse of antibiotics accelerates this
- Throat infections are harder to clear and can harbour resistance
- Global travel spreads resistant strains
What’s Being Done
- Global surveillance of resistance patterns
- New antibiotics in development (zoliflodacin)
- Updated treatment guidelines
- Test of cure recommended for throat infections
- Research into vaccines
What You Can Do
- Use condoms
- Complete prescribed treatment
- Attend test of cure appointments
- Notify partners so they’re treated
- Get tested regularly
Read more: What is gonorrhoea? | Future treatments | Antibiotics for STIs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is super gonorrhoea incurable?
Not yet — alternative treatments exist for resistant cases.
Should I be worried?
Aware, not panicked. Standard treatment still works for most.
How is resistance detected?
Through laboratory culture and sensitivity testing.
Related reading
- What Is Gonococcal Arthritis?
- How Common Is Gonorrhoea in the UK?
- Multi-Site STI Testing: Genital, Rectal and Throat
- What Is a Female (Internal) Condom?
- What Is a Shigella Infection?
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
