Age-old STI once again on the rise

Sexual Health Epidemiologist Associate Professor Eric Chow said that while men who have sex with men have been disproportionately affected by gonorrhoea, there has been an increase in infections among heterosexuals.

“Between 2017 and 2019, there were 24,825 notified gonorrhoea cases in Victoria,” A/Prof Chow said.

“Of those 20 per cent were women, 13 per cent were heterosexual men, 42 per cent were men who have sex with men, and 24 per cent were other or unknown.”

A/Prof Chow said the first of its kind study also showed that some of the most socioeconomically disadvantaged areas of Melbourne had experienced a sharp increase in cases.

“Cases in women were concentrated in inner Melbourne, but there were also high numbers of cases in outer Melbourne local government areas such as Melton and Casey.”

“The pattern was similar for heterosexual men with cases concentrated in inner Melbourne, Casey, and Brimbank.

“However, cases in men who have sex with men were concentrated in inner Melbourne local government areas, especially Melbourne, Yarra and Stonnington.”

A/Prof Chow said the reasons behind the rise in gonorrhoea in heterosexuals in these areas are not well understood but suggested a limited number of sexual health clinics could be part of the reason.

“For many years there was only one public sexual health clinic providing free HIV/STI testing and treatment, and it is located centrally, near the central business district of Melbourne,” he said.

“However, in 2020 Alfred Health helped form the Victorian Sexual Health Network – a series of GP clinics and community health centres set up to perform free STI testing.

“These clinics are set up across the state and as the network and public awareness expands, the hope is to increase the access to testing and treatment for STI control.”

Find out more about the Sexual Health Network.