STI explosion in Australia: Gonorrhoea and chlamydia cases surge – here’s what doctors say is to blame

Sexually transmitted infections are skyrocketing and doctors are blaming the education system for failing to educate young people about the risks of unprotected sex.

Gonorrhea infections are up 45 percent and chlamydia cases are up 24 percent since 2021, according to new data from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System.

Doctors report that most infections occur in young people between the ages of 15 and 29.

This age group is responsible for 67 percent of all chlamydia cases and half of gonorrhea infections.

Experts fear the rise of online learning as the pandemic hampers sex education programs in schools.

Pathology Awareness Australia ambassador Caitlin Keighley urged anyone with symptoms to get tested as soon as possible.

“Chlamydia and gonorrhea are highly transmissible and have long-term consequences, making them of major public health importance,” Professor Keighley said.

‘If left undiagnosed, both can have long-term negative health consequences, such as infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease.’

The two infections are caused by different bacteria but share some symptoms, including bleeding, painful urination and swelling.

They are the two most common STDs in the world, but they often go unnoticed because men rarely show symptoms even if they are carriers of the infection.

Regular STD testing and practicing safe sex and the best ways to prevent infection, said Professor Keighley.

“There was a lack of sexual health education during the pandemic period as it was difficult to deliver these messages effectively online,” she said.

‘In addition, there was a reduction in GP visits, resulting in undiagnosed infections, thus transmitted, and generally reduced vigilance or concern about contracting an STD.’