Sexual Health News - Sexual Health and Behavior

Gonorrhea cases on the rise in Maine

By Christopher Lynch, MD Dec. 11, 2012
Researchers and medical professionals have warned that gonorrhea has become far more resistant to treatment in recent years, and contraction rates have finally started to rise throughout the country. According to WABI.TV, an unusually high number of Maine residents have contracted the sexually transmitted disease (STD) over the past year, with 370 cases reported through the end of October. This figure is up from the 272 cases reported during 2011 and highlights just how difficult the disease has become to treat.

According to The Sun Journal, there is currently only one antibiotic available to treat this infection - calceftriaxone - but shortages in the medication could hurt many doctors' abilities to provide proper care. Additionally, the surge in cases seems to have affected more women than men, especially those between the ages of 20 and 29.

"It's not just Maine," state epidemiologist Dr. Stephen Sears told the news outlet. "There's been an increase in sexually transmitted diseases in many parts of the country. I'm not sure if I know all of the reasons. Usually we find subpopulations that the disease is propagating in."

As a result, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new guidelines for healthcare professionals. They have also encouraged physicians to alter their treatment methods for gonorrhea and combine the injectable ceftriaxone with other oral antibiotics. The CDC hopes that these guidelines could prevent further mutation of the disease, which may eventually cause the STD to become completely resistant to medication. Thankfully, by using proper protection during intercourse and undergoing regular STD testing, sexually active individuals have a decreased chance of contracting gonorrhea and avoiding health problems in the future.
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