Drug-Resistant Gonorrhea Threatens to Make Most Common Bacterial STI in United States Untreatable as CDC Updates Failed Treatment Guidelines

WHO documents a sixfold global rise in azithromycin-resistant gonorrhea, and ceftriaxone-resistant strains are emerging in US cities. With 1.6 million annual US gonorrhea cases, the CDC has updated treatment guidelines in 2026. Here is what the drug resistance crisis means for sexual health in America.