Gonorrhoea


Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection spread by sexual contact - through vaginal, anal or oral sex. The bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae can infect the cervix, urethra, rectum or throat after direct sexual contact with an infected partner.

How do you krow t you have gonorrhoea?

In women,gonorrhoea will usually cause no major symptoms, though sometimes there is a vaginal discharge or irritation when urinating. Men will notice a pus-like white or yellow discharge from the penis and/or burning sensation when urinating. Infection in the rectum may not cause any noticeable symptoms or a discharge. Infection of the throat may cause some soreness, but often there are no symptoms.

Symptoms usually appear two to ten days after contact, although they can also take months to appear.

Diagnosis is made through tests of secretions from the cervix, throat, rectum or penis (depending on the kind of intercourse). A urine test using ‘first catch’ urine is also available. Some test results are immediate, others take a few days.

How is gonorrhoea treated?

Gonorrhoea can be reliably and rapidly cured by the correct antibiotics. Often a single dose of tablets is all that is required. If your doctor prescribes a course lasting several days, do not have sex until the complete course of antibiotics has been taken to ensure the infection has been cured.

Do not drink alcohol while taking antibiotics.

How is the transmission of gonorrhoea prevented?

I. Use condoms and lubricant when you have sex. Make sure the lubricant is water based as oil based lubricants will weaken the condom and may cause it to tear.

2. If you or your partner have sex with more than one sexual partner, and do not use condoms, have regular sexual health checkups.

3. Talk to your partner about having unprotected sex, and come to a clear agreement about using condoms.

4. If you find condom use difficult explore other ways to be intimate, which do not put you at risk of sexually transmitted infections or an unintended pregnancy.

5. It is equally important to use a condom if you have sex whilst overseas.

6. Control your use of alcohol and other drugs so that your ability to make responsible, self protecting decisions about sex will not be affected.

7. If you think you may have gonorrhoea, have a sexual health check as soon as possible.

What if gonorrhoea is not treated?

Gonorrhoea can cause inflammation in the fallopian tubes which in women is called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). This may make them infertile. In men, infection can spread to the testes, causing pain and some risk of infertility. Some men make the mistake of hoping the discharge will go away without treatment. But even if symptoms do clear up, the infection may still be there, so treatment is vital.

Your doctor will advise you about contacting your sexual partners who may also be infected. Although this might be embarrassing it is very important for their health and the health of their sexual partners.

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