Gonorrhea Cases Rise in 2022: Public Urged to Take STIs Seriously
In a concerning trend, Norway recorded 3127 cases of gonorrhea in 2022, a increase from 2985 cases in 2023. This sexually transmitted infection (STI), often nicknamed "the clap" or "the drip," is primarily affecting men, with 2217 cases reported compared to 909 in women. The rise in cases is particularly alarming among men, while there was a decrease among women.
The Rise of ‘Kjønnsråte’
Dr. Kaja Marienborg, a bioengineer and university lecturer at Oslo Metropolitan University, commented on the increase. "It’s not surprising that gonorrhea has been dubbed ‘kjønnsråte’ among young people," she stated. Marienborg also leads the bioengineering committee of NITO, the Norwegian Institute of Technology.
Underestimating the Risks
Nine out of ten respondents in a recent survey view STIs as seriously or moderately health-alarming. However, despite the risks, six out of ten individuals have opt out of getting tested after unprotected sex. Moreover, nearly half reported having casual sex without using a condom.
Marienborg stressed the importance of regular testing, especially when changing partners. She noted that most infected individuals are asymptomatic, meaning they show no symptoms despite being infected. She also addressed concerns about testing, assuring that it is simple and causes little discomfort.
Resistance and Complications
While gonorrhea is typically manageable with antibiotics, the risk of antibiotic resistance is rising. Several European countries, including Spain, France, and the UK, have already faced resistance issues, and a few resistant cases have been recorded in Norway. Complications from untreated gonorrhea can be severe, including pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic abdominal pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy in women, and urinary tract narrowing, epididymitis, and prostatitis in men.
Testing and Prevention
Testing for gonorrhea involves a urine or swab sample and is free in Norway. Marienborg expressed concern about the high number of people underestimating the risks. "Gonorrhea can lead to serious health complications, including forms that are harder to treat and impact future relationships," she warned.
To learn more about sex and relationships, click here. If you have intimate questions you’d like to ask anonymously, visit our sexologist page.
