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Gonorrhoea

by Editor

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is caused by a bacteria. It can affect the cervix, urethra (urine pipe), rectum (back passage) and throat. If left untreated it can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in women, which can lead to infertility and ectopic pregnancies. It is also possible to pass the infection onto a baby when you give birth. In men it can cause a narrowing of the urethra (urine pipe), abscesses and inflamed testicles and prostate gland.

Symptoms

Like with Chlamydia infection sometimes produces no symptoms. Men are more likely to have them though, and usually they’ll appear between one and 14 days after you have been exposed to this bug.

In Girls...

Vaginal discharge with a yellow or greenish colour
Pain or a burning feeling when going to the toilet
Discharge from the anus (if you have had anal sex)

In Boys...

Clear, yellow or white discharge from the penis
Discharge from the anus (if you have had anal sex)
Inflammation of the testicles or prostate gland.

Diagnosis

Gonorrhoea may be diagnosed from a swab or a urine test.

Treatment

It can be treated with antibiotics. Your doctor will take a swab or a urine sample. You will probably be treated straight away. If you test positive your partners should be treated as well. You should not have sex for at least a week after you have taken the treatment, so that the infection has a chance to clear properly.

Sometime eg if you are pregnant, your doctor may want to check that the infection has cleared.

Prevention

Don’t feel pressured into saying yes to having sex. It’s ok to say no. Remember the more people you have sex with the more likely you are to be infected. If you are sexually active, have regular screening and make sure your partner is screened too. Use condoms, although they are not 100%, they will reduce your chances of getting infections if they are used correctly EVERY time you have sex.