Gonorrhea in the US 2025
The United States continues to grapple with significant rates of gonorrhea infections, making it the second most common nationally notifiable sexually transmitted infection in the country. In 2023, a total of 601,319 cases of gonorrhea were reported, making it the second most common nationally notifiable STI in the United States for that year. This bacterial infection, caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, remains a critical public health concern affecting millions of Americans across all demographics, with particularly high rates among young adults and certain racial and ethnic groups.
Recent surveillance data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals both encouraging trends and persistent challenges in the fight against gonorrhea. After reaching a historic low in 2009, rates of reported gonorrhea increased through 2021; however, the overall rate of gonorrhea decreased 9.2% from 2021 to 2022 and then decreased 7.7% from 2022 to 2023. This decline represents a significant shift in the trajectory of gonorrhea transmission, offering hope for continued progress in reducing infection rates while highlighting the ongoing need for comprehensive prevention and treatment strategies.
Facts About Gonorrhea in the US 2025
| Fact Category | Key Statistics |
|---|---|
| Total Cases | 601,319 cases reported in 2023 |
| Ranking | 2nd most common nationally notifiable STI |
| Recent Trend | 7.7% decrease from 2022 to 2023 |
| Gender Distribution | Higher rates among men compared to women since 2013 |
| Age Impact | 48.2% of cases among ages 15-24 years |
| MSM Population | Approximately 50% of cases among men who have sex with men |
| Racial Disparity | 32.4% of cases among non-Hispanic Black Americans (12.6% of population) |
| Geographic Pattern | 40 states showed decreases in 2023 |
| Women’s Decline | 14.1% decrease among women in 2023 |
| Historic Context | Rates increased through 2021 after 2009 historic low |
The current landscape of gonorrhea infections in the United States presents a complex picture of both progress and persistent challenges. From 2022 to 2023, rates decreased among men and women, most age groups, and most race/Hispanic ethnicities, and decreases were observed in 40 states. This widespread improvement suggests that public health interventions and increased awareness may be having a measurable impact on transmission rates across diverse populations and geographic regions.
The most significant improvements have been observed among women, particularly in specific age groups and healthcare settings. Decreases were most pronounced among women (14.1% decrease), reflecting substantial decreases among women aged 20 to 24 years (14.6% decrease) and aged 25 to 29 years (19.2% decrease), as well as among women diagnosed in non-sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic settings (13.0% decrease). However, healthcare professionals must remain vigilant, as the asymptomatic nature of many gonococcal infections means that reported trends may reflect changes in both actual incidence and screening coverage rather than solely representing true infection rates.
National Gonorrhea Case Distribution in the US 2023
| Demographic Category | Cases/Percentage | Rate per 100,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Total National Cases | 601,319 | 180.1 |
| Men | Higher rates than women | Data varies by state |
| Women | 14.1% decrease from 2022 | Significant improvement |
| Ages 15-24 | 48.2% of total cases | Highest affected group |
| Ages 20-24 Women | 14.6% decrease | Notable improvement |
| Ages 25-29 Women | 19.2% decrease | Substantial decline |
| MSM Population | Approximately 50% of cases | Disproportionately affected |
| Non-Hispanic Black | 32.4% of cases | 12.6% of population |
| Non-STD Clinic Settings | 13.0% decrease among women | Improved screening |
The national distribution of gonorrhea cases reveals significant demographic disparities that demand targeted public health interventions. Since 2013, rates of reported gonorrhea have been higher among men compared to women, likely reflecting cases identified in both MSM and men who have sex with women only. This pattern underscores the importance of comprehensive screening programs and prevention strategies that address the unique risk factors and transmission dynamics within different populations.
Young adults continue to bear the heaviest burden of gonorrhea infections, with nearly half of all reported cases occurring among individuals aged 15-24 years. In 2023, almost half (48.2%) of reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis (all stages) were among adolescents and young adults aged 15–24 years. This concentration among young people highlights the critical importance of age-appropriate sexual health education, accessible testing services, and targeted prevention campaigns that reach adolescents and young adults through channels and messaging that resonate with their experiences and concerns.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Gonorrhea Cases in the US 2023
| Race/Ethnicity | Percentage of Cases | Population Percentage | Disparity Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Hispanic Black | 32.4% | 12.6% | 2.6x overrepresentation |
| American Indian/Alaska Native | Highest rates | Small population percentage | Significant disparity |
| Hispanic/Latino | Varies by region | Growing population | Regional variations |
| Non-Hispanic White | Lower rates | Majority population | Underrepresentation |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | Lower rates | Growing population | Generally lower rates |
| Mixed/Other | Varies | Small percentage | Limited data available |
The stark racial and ethnic disparities in gonorrhea rates reflect deeply rooted systemic inequalities that extend far beyond individual behavior patterns. In 2023, 32.4% of all cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and P&S syphilis were among non-Hispanic Black or African American persons, even though they made up only 12.6% of the US population. These disparities cannot be explained solely by differences in sexual behavior and instead reflect complex interactions between social determinants of health, including access to quality healthcare, economic factors, and structural racism.
Understanding these disparities requires recognition of the network effects that influence transmission rates within communities. For example, in communities with higher prevalence of STIs, with each sexual encounter, people face a greater chance of encountering an infected partner than those in lower prevalence settings do, regardless of similar sexual behavior patterns. This network effect demonstrates how structural inequalities can perpetuate health disparities, making it essential for public health interventions to address both individual risk factors and community-level determinants of health.
Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) Gonorrhea Statistics in the US 2023
| MSM Category | Statistics | Trends |
|---|---|---|
| Total MSM Cases | Approximately 50% of all cases | Disproportionate burden |
| MSM Among Men | 57.5% of male cases | Majority of male infections |
| Geographic Variation | Varies by jurisdiction | Regional differences |
| Co-infection Rates | Higher HIV co-infection | Dual epidemic concerns |
| Age Distribution | Concentrated in younger ages | Similar to general population |
| Testing Frequency | Higher screening rates | Better healthcare engagement |
| Treatment Outcomes | Similar to general population | Effective when treated |
| Prevention Programs | Targeted interventions | Specialized approaches needed |
The disproportionate impact of gonorrhea on men who have sex with men represents one of the most significant challenges in STI prevention and control. Although there are limited data available on sexual behaviors of persons reported with gonorrhea at the national level, enhanced data from jurisdictions participating in a sentinel surveillance system, the STI Surveillance Network (SSuN), suggest that approximately half of gonorrhea cases occurred among MSM in 2023; however, this proportion varied across jurisdictions participating in SSuN. This concentration reflects both biological and social factors that increase transmission risk within MSM networks.
The variation in MSM gonorrhea rates across different jurisdictions highlights the importance of localized approaches to prevention and treatment. Regional differences in healthcare access, social acceptance, and prevention program availability all contribute to varying infection rates. Additionally, gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionally impacted by STIs, including gonorrhea and primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis, and co-infection with HIV is common. This intersection of multiple STIs underscores the need for comprehensive sexual health services that address the full spectrum of infection risks within MSM communities.
Regional Gonorrhea Distribution by State in the US 2023
| Geographic Region | Rate Trends | State Variations |
|---|---|---|
| Southern States | Generally higher rates | Significant state variations |
| Western States | Mixed patterns | Urban vs rural differences |
| Northeastern States | Moderate rates | Metropolitan concentrations |
| Midwestern States | Variable rates | Rural-urban disparities |
| States with Decreases | 40 states showed improvement | Widespread progress |
| States with Increases | 10 states showed increases | Targeted interventions needed |
| District of Columbia | Urban concentration | High density impact |
| Territorial Areas | Limited data | Specialized considerations |
The geographic distribution of gonorrhea cases across the United States reveals significant regional variations that reflect complex interactions between population density, healthcare infrastructure, and social determinants of health. From 2022 to 2023, rates decreased among men and women, most age groups, and most race/Hispanic ethnicities, and decreases were observed in 40 states. This widespread improvement across the majority of states suggests that national public health initiatives may be having a measurable impact on transmission rates.
However, the variation in outcomes across different states highlights the importance of tailored approaches that address local conditions and risk factors. States that continue to experience increases in gonorrhea rates may benefit from enhanced surveillance, targeted prevention programs, and improved access to testing and treatment services. The concentration of cases in urban areas versus rural regions also requires different intervention strategies, as urban settings may face challenges related to population density and anonymous sexual networks, while rural areas may struggle with limited healthcare access and stigma-related barriers to testing and treatment.
Women’s Gonorrhea Trends in the US 2023
| Women’s Demographics | 2023 Statistics | Change from 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Women Cases | Significant portion | 14.1% decrease |
| Ages 20-24 | Highest risk group | 14.6% decrease |
| Ages 25-29 | Second highest risk | 19.2% decrease |
| Non-STD Clinic Settings | Majority of diagnoses | 13.0% decrease |
| Reproductive Health | Fertility concerns | Improved outcomes |
| Screening Coverage | Routine gynecological care | Enhanced detection |
| Pregnancy Complications | Reduced risk | Better maternal health |
| Partner Notification | Improved programs | Reduced reinfection |
The dramatic improvement in gonorrhea rates among women represents one of the most encouraging developments in recent STI surveillance data. Decreases were most pronounced among women (14.1% decrease), reflecting substantial decreases among women aged 20 to 24 years (14.6% decrease) and aged 25 to 29 years (19.2% decrease), as well as among women diagnosed in non-sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic settings (13.0% decrease). These improvements are particularly significant given that women often face unique challenges in accessing sexual health services and may be less likely to experience symptoms that prompt testing.
The success in reducing gonorrhea rates among women of reproductive age has important implications for both individual health outcomes and public health more broadly. Untreated gonorrhea in women can lead to serious complications including pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. The improvement in infection rates not only reduces the immediate burden of disease but also helps prevent long-term reproductive health complications that can have lasting impacts on women’s lives and families. The particular success seen in non-STD clinic settings suggests that integration of STI screening into routine healthcare may be an effective strategy for reaching women who might not otherwise access specialized sexual health services.
Screening and Detection Challenges in the US 2023
| Challenge Category | Impact on Statistics | Surveillance Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Asymptomatic Infections | Underreporting likely | True prevalence higher |
| Screening Coverage | Affects case detection | Variable across populations |
| Healthcare Access | Unequal testing opportunities | Disparities in diagnosis |
| COVID-19 Impact | Reduced screening 2020-2021 | Recovery patterns vary |
| Laboratory Capacity | Testing availability | Regional variations |
| Rapid Testing | Improved detection | Implementation challenges |
| Partner Testing | Contact tracing effectiveness | Notification success rates |
| Routine Screening | Preventive care integration | Systematic approaches |
The challenge of accurately measuring gonorrhea prevalence is complicated by the frequently asymptomatic nature of the infection and variations in screening coverage across different populations and healthcare settings. Because gonococcal infections can be asymptomatic, trends in case reports are influenced by both changes in incidence and screening coverage; recent declines in rates of reported gonorrhea may reflect declines in new infections, as well as reduced screening. This uncertainty underscores the importance of robust surveillance systems that can distinguish between true changes in infection rates and artifacts of testing patterns.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on STI screening and detection continues to influence current surveillance data and interpretation of trends. Healthcare disruptions during 2020 and 2021 led to reduced screening coverage, which may have created a backlog of undiagnosed infections that are now being detected as healthcare systems return to normal operations. Understanding these delayed effects is crucial for accurate interpretation of current data and for predicting future trends in gonorrhea transmission and detection.
Future Outlook for Gonorrhea Control in the US 2025
The current trajectory of gonorrhea rates in the United States offers cautious optimism while highlighting the need for sustained public health efforts. There were more than 2.4 million STIs reported in the United States in 2023; however, there are promising signs the epidemic may be slowing: Gonorrhea dropped for a second year—declining 7% from 2022 and falling below pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. This two-year decline represents a significant achievement in STI prevention and control, demonstrating that comprehensive public health interventions can effectively reduce transmission rates.
However, the persistence of significant demographic disparities and the concentration of cases among young adults and MSM populations indicate that targeted interventions remain essential. Continued progress will require sustained investment in prevention programs, improved access to testing and treatment services, and addressing the underlying social determinants of health that contribute to STI transmission. The success achieved in reducing gonorrhea rates among women provides a model for how focused interventions can achieve measurable improvements in specific populations.
Looking ahead, the integration of new technologies, improved screening protocols, and enhanced partner notification systems will be crucial for maintaining and accelerating progress against gonorrhea. The lessons learned from recent successes, particularly the widespread decreases observed in 40 states, provide valuable insights for developing effective strategies that can be adapted to local conditions and populations. Continued surveillance and research will be essential for understanding evolving transmission patterns and ensuring that prevention efforts remain effective against this persistent public health challenge.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
