There is a well-documented trend showing a sharp increase in the numbers of Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea.
While this is a major concern, there is a more worrying problem emerging, namely, antibiotic resistance.
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) in Singapore. There is already significant antibiotic resistance to standard antibiotics given for this condition, which results in treatment failure and the need for several rounds of antibiotic treatment and repeat cultures to confirm treatment success.
In the past, gonorrhoea could be treated simply with oral antibiotics. Due to the emergence of cephalosporin-resistant strains, the current CDC (USA) and DSC (Singapore) guidelines require giving an intramuscular antibiotic, together with an oral antibiotic to treat gonorrhoea successfully. There is an urgent need for new antibiotics to replace the existing antibiotics available.
In addition, more needs to be done to enhance public awareness of the rise of STD in our society, and the risk of antibiotic-resistant strains that require proper medical attention and follow up.
Early treatment of an STD is the key to preventing transmission to others; complete cure prevents complications from developing.
Be responsible. If you are in a new sexual relationship, or have had casual sex, you should screen for STD. Persuade your partners to be screened as well.
Stop the spread of STDs/STIs. Get tested today.
STDs may be treated effectively. Consult our doctors now.