Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is caused by a bacterial infection.

Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria. It’s very infectious and spreads easily through all types of sexual contact — oral, vaginal, anal, and even sharing sex toys.

Many people with Gonorrhoea don’t have obvious symptoms, but it left untreated, it can cause infertility in both men and women.

Gonorrhoea is most often passed from person to person through unprotected sex (sex without a condom).

Symptoms in women (or anyone with a vagina) include:

• a yellow or greenish discharge
• burning pain when you pee
• pain in your lower abdomen
• bleeding between your periods (this is rare)

Symptoms in men (or anyone with a penis):

• burning pain when you pee
• fluid or discharge coming out of your penis
• sore testicles

• Symptoms may take 2–3 weeks to appear — or may not show at all.
• Around 1% of men and 50% of women have no symptoms.
• Signs can include unusual discharge or pain when peeing.
• Gonorrhoea can also infect your throat through oral sex.

If you’ve had sex without a condom, or are showing signs or symptoms, it’s best to get tested.  Testing is available from:

• sexual health clinics
• GPs
• online at-home testing kits
• via your Personal Health Record (PHR) Kits are discreet and easy to use.

The MenB vaccine (Bexsero) can help protect against gonorrhoea. It’s recommended for those at a higher risk of infection, including:

• • men who have sex with men
  • gay and bisexual men

You can check your eligibility and get vaccines from your local GP or sexual health clinic.

Gonorrhoea is easily treated with antibiotics, which can be prescribed from your GP or local sexual health clinic.  If left untreated it can cause serious health problems, including Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) so it is best to know your status and test regularly if you change sexual partners.

You can find your nearest GP or sexual health clinic using our find a service tool.