Gonorrhoea

Key Points

Overview

Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection passed on through unprotected sexual contact. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and can affect both men and women, as well as other body parts. Many people with gonorrhoea do not experience any symptoms, making it possible to spread the infection unknowingly. When symptoms do appear, they can affect the genitals, anus, throat, or eyes. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are crucial. If left untreated, gonorrhoea can lead to serious health complications, including infertility and other severe infections.

Signs and Symptoms

• Yellow or greenish vaginal discharge
• Burning pain when urinating
• Lower abdominal pain (women)
• Bleeding between periods (women, rare)
• Fluid or discharge from penis
• Sore testicles (men)
• Anal pain, itching, or discharge
• Sore throat
• Eye redness, pain, or discharge

Things That Increase the Risk

• Having unprotected sex
• Having multiple sexual partners
• Previous or current other STIs (e.g., chlamydia, syphilis)
• Being pregnant (risk to baby)

Diagnosis

• Discussion of symptoms and sexual history
• Physical examination
• Swab sample from penis, vagina, anus, throat, or eyes
• Urine sample
• Self-test kits available for home use

Treatment & Management

• Single dose of antibiotics (injection or tablets)
• Treatment can begin before test results are confirmed
• Follow-up test about one week after treatment
• Avoid all sexual activity until cleared by tests
• Sexual partners also need testing and treatment

Prevention

• Use condoms consistently for vaginal or anal sex
• Use condoms or dental dams for oral sex
• Get tested annually, or with each new sexual partner
• Complete full treatment if diagnosed with gonorrhoea
• Consider MenB vaccine if at high risk (for men who have sex with men)
• Avoid sharing sex toys

Related Diseases

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
• Epididymitis
• Prostatitis
• Gonococcal Conjunctivitis
• Chlamydia
• Syphilis

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Gonorrhoea: