Untreatable cases of "superbug gonorrhoea" have occurred, the World Health Organization says, as it calls for new drugs to treat the bacterial infection.
The United Nations health agency now advises doctors to prescribe two antibiotics called ceftriaxone and azithromycin for the sexually transmitted disease.
Gonorrhea can infect the genitals, rectum and throat. Each year, it's estimated 78 million people become infected. Most women with the infection have no symptoms and 40 per cent of men don't either. Left untreated, men and women can become infertile and face an increased risk of HIV.
The researchers said several factors contribute to rising resistance, including decreased condom use, increased urbanization and travel, poor detection rates and inadequate or failed treatment.
