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Infections & STDs

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is the 2^nd most common STI in the UK. In women, the bacteria mostly infect the cervix and urethra (tube where urine comes out). In men, the bacteria mostly infects the urethra. But gonorrhoea can also infect the rectum, throat and eyes.

HOW DO YOU GET IT?

Gonorrhoea is acquired through sexual intercourse with an infected person.

SYMPTOMS

50% of women with gonorrhoea and 10-15% of men with Gonorrhoea will have no symptoms. However if a person is symptomatic, they may have:

Women:

• Vaginal discharge which can be watery, yellow or green
• Pain when passing urine
• Lower abdominal tenderness or pain

Men:

• Discharge from the tip of the penis. May be white, yellow or green.
• Pain when passing urine
• Testicular tenderness or pain

Most men (85%) will develop these symptoms within 10 days.

If you have any of these symptoms, please contact 132 Healthwise to arrange a test.

DIAGNOSIS

You can have a test as soon as you think you may have been in contact with gonorrhoea. The test may involve the nurse taking a swab or a urine test. The urine test should involve not voiding for 2 hours and then taking the first catch of urine for the sample. Occasionally a throat and/or rectum swab may be taken if you have had sexual contact with these parts of your body.

The sample will than be analysed at the laboratory and results will be usually ready within a week.

It is recommended that a screen for other infections be performed during your examination or appointment.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS IF LEFT UNTREATED?

Untreated gonorrhoea in women can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (P.I.D). This can be very mild or can make you feel unwell and cause a fever, low abdominal pain and backache. It can also cause discomfort during sex and can lead to an ectopic pregnancy. This is when the baby grows in the fallopian tubes instead of the womb.

Untreated gonorrhoea in men can lead to painful infection in the testicles and possibly reduced fertility.

Since untreated gonorrhoea may reduce fertility in both men and women, it is therefore essential that you and your partner are seen and examined by a Sexual health nurse or doctor. We realise that it can be difficult to discuss this with your partner or partners ; however it is vital to ensure that further spread of gonorrhoea can be prevented and that you are not reinfected.

If you think you need a test, please contact 132 Healthwise.