Pronounced: "Gonna-ree-a"

What is gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea is a bacteria that mainly infect the genitals, urethra, rectum and throat of men and women.

How is it passed on?

It is passed on by unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex, sharing sex toys, or by a mother to her baby at birth.


Signs and symptoms

About 10% of men and 50% of women with gonorrhoea show no symptoms. Symptoms can be mild and go unnoticed, but typical signs of infection include:

• Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina that can be thin or watery, or yellow or green.
• Pain when passing urine.
• Possible irritation or discharge from the anus.
• Lower abdominal pain.
• Pain or tenderness in the testicles.

Tests and treatment

Usually a swab is taken from the vagina or tip of the penis and a sample of urine may be taken. The swab may feel a bit uncomfortable but should not be painful.
• Gonorrhoea is easily treated with antibiotics. To avoid re-infection, sexual partners should also be treated.
• If untreated, gonorrhoea can infect other reproductive organs in men and women and lead to serious health problems such as pelvic inflammatory disease or ectopic pregnancy, which can affect fertility.

Tests and treatment

In rare cases, it can get into the bloodstream, leading to heart, joint and skin infections.

Girls: it could lead to pelvic inflammatory disease or infertility.

Lads: infection of the testicles.

For more STI info: www.ruthinking.co.uk, www.fpa.org.uk, STD Factfile