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A bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea infects the neck of the womb (cervix) in women and the tube inside the penis (urethra) in men. Sometimes it can infect the urethra in women, and the throat and anus of either sex.

If left untreated, gonorrhoea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women which can lead to chronic pain and/or the inability to get pregnant.

 

Women with gonorrhoea often have no signs or symptoms. Sometimes there is an unusual vaginal fluid (discharge) or a burning sensation when urinating or irregular vaginal bleeding. Deep pain during vaginal sex may also be a sign of gonococcal infection in women.

Men may have no signs or symptoms either. There may be a thick yellow or white fluid discharge from the penis and/or anus and/or a burning sensation during urination.

 

Gonorrhoea is spread by having vaginal or anal sex without a condom, with someone who has gonorrhoea. Transmission by oral sex may also occur.

 

If noticed early, gonorrhoea can be treated with a single dose of antibiotics.

Advanced gonorrhoea and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in women may need longer courses of antibiotics.

Partners of people with gonorrhoea also need to be treated as they may also be infected. If they are not treated you can get re-infected.

 

• Use condoms for vaginal and anal sex. Condoms may also be used for oral sex.
• Both partners should be tested for STIs before having unprotected sex.
• If your partner has other sexual partners, you could get gonorrhoea if you don't use condoms.