Gonorrhoea

Bacteria known as Neisseria gonorrhoeae or gonococcus cause gonorrhea. It usually affects the genital area but it can also infect the throat or anus. It is easily transmitted during vaginal intercourse but it can also be transmitted during anal or oral sex.

How do you get it?

You can get it by having unprotected (no condom) oral, vaginal or anal intercourse. As mentioned previously if you get vaginal gonorrhoea it can spread to the rectum.

Who Is at Risk?

Any male or female that has unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex with someone who has gonorrhoea is at risk of contracting the infection.

Symptoms of oral or anal gonorrhoea

Both men and women may experience a sore throat or discharge from the rectum (as well as itching) if gonorrhoea is present in these areas.

Alternatively, there may be no symptoms at all.

In Men

Symptoms usually occur within 2-10 days after infection, though symptoms sometimes take months to appear. Gonorrhoea can also cause infertility in men. Inflammation of the epididymis (the thin tube leading from the testes to the vas deferens where the sperm mature – see anatomy diagram) may develop causing it to become painful and swollen. This can lead to infertility if left untreated. (7)

Symptoms in men are due to a urethral infection. The main symptoms due to urethritis are:

• A burning sensation on passing urine
• A pus-like (white or yellow) discharge or leak

In Women

Because women are less likely to experience symptoms from gonorrhoea the infection can go undetected for longer. Sometimes gonorrhoea causes:

• An unusual discharge from the vagina
• Pain while urinating
• Abdominal pain

Getting Tested

Gonorrhoea (gonorrhea) can be diagnosed by a swab collected from the urethra, cervix, anus or throat, or by urine sample. It is important not to pass urine for a minimum of three hours before having these tests collected.(1)

Treatment

Treatment of gonorrhoea involves antibiotics (penicillin) usually given in a high, single dose by injection. A drug called probenecid can also be given prior to the injection to prolong the action of penicillin – other drugs are available if you are allergic to penicillin. Oral medications are also available. (2)

Gonorrhoea – Prevention is Better than Cure

Condoms are one of the best forms of STI prevention for all sexual activity including oral sex, anal sex and vaginal sex.