Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the gonococcus bacterium. The number of cases of this infection is on the rise between 2022 and 2024 among both men and women. This increase is more pronounced among men, particularly those aged 15 to 25. Unfortunately, while these infections do not always cause visible symptoms in the person affected, they can have serious consequences, such as an increased risk of HIV infection or infertility, especially in women. Nearly 25,800 people were diagnosed with gonococcal infection in the private sector in 2024 in France.

To be effective and help reduce the incidence of HIV and other STIs, prevention must rely on a combination of various prevention tools: condom use, repeated and regular testing for HIV and other STIs such as gonorrhea, and appropriate treatment. Particular attention must be paid to the issue of screening in order to reduce the time between infection and diagnosis and ensure early initiation of treatment.

The challenge for Santé publique France is to successfully support priority populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly young MSM. Epidemiological surveillance and a better understanding of target populations and their environments enable Santé publique France to tailor prevention campaigns for them as effectively as possible.

Epidemiological Surveillance of Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea surveillance relies on several systems.

• SurCeGIDD Surveillance: All CeGIDDs are legally required to participate in this surveillance, which covers screening and diagnosis of HIV infection, viral hepatitis, syphilis, infections with Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Mycoplasma genitalium, genital warts, and genital herpes (individual sociodemographic, behavioral, clinical, and biological data). The required data format is available on the Santé publique France website.

• Data from the National Health Data System (SNDS): reimbursement data from the Health Insurance Fund enable the monitoring of gonorrhea screening activity conducted in private and public laboratories (excluding hospitalizations in the public sector). They also enable the monitoring of gonorrhea diagnoses.

Measuring Changes in Prevention Behaviors

In addition to epidemiological surveillance of HIV, Santé publique France conducts several surveys among the general population and specific groups. These surveys serve as decision-making tools for public health policy.

• Learn more: sexual health section

Prevention of sexually transmitted infections

Santé publique France develops prevention programs tailored to different priority populations: the general public, young people, men who have sex with men (MSM), and migrants. The goal of this approach is to change behaviors and help the public adopt habits and attitudes that promote sexual health.

Learn more on our prevention websites:

• question-sexualite.fr

• sexosafe.fr

• onsexprime.fr