In recent years, the number of reported gonorrhea cases has been on the rise. Among the cases, the increase in the number of infected is more significant than that in the number of infected men.　In addition, an increase in the number of reported cases among individuals aged between 10 and 19 has also been observed. Hence, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) urges the public to use condoms properly throughout the entire sex act to prevent the transmission of gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and ensure their own health and the health of their sex partners.

According to the surveillance data compiled by Taiwan CDC, the number of gonorrhea cases reported increased from 2,622 in 2014 to 3,584 in 2015, reflecting a 37% increase.　Moreover, the increase in the number of infected women (41%) is higher than that in the number of infected men (36%). Further, a 47% increase in cases aged between 10 and 19 from 2014 to 2015 has been observed. Although the number of reported cases among underage girls is only a few, an 107% increase in the number of reported cases among girls aged between 10 and 19 from 2011 to 2015 has been observed, which is higher than the 102% increase in the number of reported cases among boys in the same age group. After further investigation, most of the time, men sought medical attention first before doctors asked them to refer their sexual partners for treatment. Female partners seemed to find out about their infection later.

Gonorrhea primarily affects the reproductive system. Symptoms in men are usually easier to notice than symptoms in women. In men, gonorrhea symptoms most often appear 2 to 7 days after infection. The usual symptoms in men include a burning sensation with urination and discharge from the penis. On the other hand, women usually have mild or no symptoms. As a result, oftentimes, women are not aware of their infection. Nonetheless, if gonorrhea is left untreated, it may lead to infertility in both men and women. Therefore, Taiwan CDC reminds young people to pay attention to the importance of safe sex and take the following precautions to ward off infection:

1. Choose your friends on the Internet wisely.
2. Do not engage in sex with partners with unknown sexual history
3. Do not practice risky sexual behaviors such as attending house parties and sex parties or have multiple sex partners.
4. Avoid the use of illicit drugs as one is more likely to practice unsafe sex when the power of self-control is diminished.
5. Remember to use condoms and water-based personal lubricants throughout the entire sex act.

To ensure your health and the health of your sexual partner, if suspected symptoms develop or you are suspected to have gonorrhea, please see an urologist, dermatologist or gynecologist and get tested for syphilis and HIV. In addition, please visit the Taiwan CDC website (http://goo.gl/s1xYoJ) for the list of recommended STD friendly clinics. For more information, please call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline, 1922 (or 0800-001922).