Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoea) is a sexually transmitted infection that can affect the penis, vagina, rectum and throat.

Gonnorhoea can have no symptoms, so if you have ever had unprotected sex (sex without a condom) it is important to get checked out.
If Gonnorhoea is left untreated it can cause problems such as Pelvic inflammatory disease (see below), inflammation of the testicles (balls), infertility (the inability to have a baby) and ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in the wrong place).

How is it passed on?

Gonnorhoea can be passed from one person to another by:
Having Vaginal, oral or anal sex with someone who has gonnorhoea
Rimming (where someone uses their tongue on someone’s anus)
Sharing sex toys
Inserting fingers into an infected area then touching their own vagina, anus or mouth without washing hands in between.
From mother to baby at birth

Signs and Symptoms

It is possible to have gonnorhoea without any symptoms so if you have sex without a condom it is important to come and get checked out. Some clinics only check for Chlamydia, so make sure you ask what you are being tested for.

Women:

A change in vaginal discharge, it can increase, change to yellow or green, or have a strong smell.
Pain when passing urine
Itching or discharge from the anus
Lower stomach pain

Men:

A yellow or white discharge (liquid) from the penis
Pain when passing urine
Inflammation of the testicles (balls)
Discharge or itching from the anus.

Gonorrhoea in the eyes can cause redness and irritation.

What happens if I am told I have Gonnorhoea?

You will be treated with antibiotics, which are free at sexual health clinics
Gonnorhoea does not reoccur unless you have sex with someone who has gonnorhoea and has not been treated.

We would advise you to tell your partners so that they can be treated. This helps reduce the risk of you being re-infected.

You can help protect yourself from Gonnorhoea by using condoms every time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex. If you are unsure of how to use condoms, please ask to see a health adviser who will be happy to talk to you about safely using condoms.