What should you know about gonorrhoea bacteria?

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection. It can pass through vaginal, anal or oral sexual contact, including when the infected person has no symptoms. The bacteria may be present at more than one site, so the best samples depend on the sexual contact and symptoms.

Possible signs include burning or pain when urinating, unusual genital discharge, pelvic discomfort, rectal symptoms or a sore throat. These symptoms have many possible causes; a symptom does not by itself identify gonorrhoea. Untreated infection can move into nearby reproductive organs and cause pelvic inflammatory disease.

Book STI screening and describe when the exposure happened, which types of contact occurred and which body areas were involved. A clinician may recommend urine, swab or other samples. Avoid sex until results and treatment advice are clear, and do not take antibiotics without a prescription.

If gonorrhoea is diagnosed, complete the prescribed antibiotic plan and follow instructions about retesting. Recent partners should be told through a safe, confidential process so they can be assessed. Testing for other infections may be offered at the same visit.

Seek prompt care for pelvic or testicular pain, fever, worsening lower abdominal pain, eye pain or reduced vision. Urgent assessment is also needed for severe illness, faintness or rapidly spreading joint pain. Tell the clinician if you are pregnant or have a medicine allergy.

Ask which body sites need samples, when results will be ready, whether partners need treatment, and when sexual contact can safely resume. Ask how to recognise treatment failure and whether a follow-up test is advised.