Summary: Between 1970 and 1973, 3,389 public hospital patients (both obstetrical and gynaecological) were screened for gonorrhoea. An unexpectedly high figure (2.4%) was obtained in the “single” group (single, separated, divorced, de facto). In the married group, the incidence was 0.7%. Results of other screening programmes throughout the world are reviewed. Relatively few of these have been reported outside North America; in those that have, the yields have been disproportionately low. The reasons for this are thought to be linked to culture methodology.Greater use of routine screening, particularly of individuals who are not in a stable marital situation, is advocated in city obstetrical and gynaecological clinics, even in areas with a medium incidence of gonorrhoea