Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that is diagnosed with testing and treated with prescribed antibiotics.

It can affect the genitals, rectum or throat. Some people have no noticeable symptoms, so testing after a possible exposure matters even when you feel well.

Painful urination is a very common presentation of gonorrhoea. Vaginal discharge and testicular pain are also recognised presentations, and discharge from the penis, pelvic discomfort, rectal soreness or throat symptoms can occur.

Symptoms alone cannot identify the infection. Arrange testing promptly after a possible exposure, and seek urgent assessment for severe pelvic pain, severe testicular pain, fever with worsening pain, or feeling very unwell.

Gonorrhoea passes through sexual contact involving the vagina, penis, anus or mouth. The bacteria can be present at an affected site without causing obvious symptoms.

It is not spread through everyday contact such as hugging, sharing food or using the same toilet seat.

Symptoms may be mild, absent or mistaken for another problem, but the infection can still be passed on. Testing gives a clearer answer than waiting for symptoms to change.

After treatment, follow the instructions from the treating service about sex, partner notification and any follow-up testing.

Testing is advisable after sex with a new partner, after sex without a barrier method, when a partner has an STI, or when you develop genital, rectal or throat symptoms after sexual contact.

Previous testing does not rule out a later infection, so discuss the timing and type of contact with the clinician arranging the test.

Testing may involve a urine sample, a swab from the vagina, penis, throat or rectum, or more than one sample depending on sexual contact. A clinician will explain how to collect each sample.

An STI assessment may also look for other infections, because more than one infection can be present at the same time.

A clinician prescribes antibiotics based on current local guidance and your individual situation. Take or receive treatment exactly as directed, and do not use leftover antibiotics or share medicine with a partner.

Partners may need testing and treatment to reduce reinfection. Avoid sexual contact until the treating service confirms when it is appropriate to resume.

Contact recent sexual partners as advised by the clinician so they can arrange testing. This can be handled confidentially through sexual-health services where available.

If you have symptoms after treatment or think you may have been exposed again, return for assessment rather than assuming the original treatment still covers the situation.

Untreated infection can lead to inflammation in reproductive organs and other complications. Gonorrhoea can contribute to pelvic inflammatory disease in people with female reproductive organs, and testicular inflammation can occur in people with testicles.

Prompt testing and prescribed treatment reduce the time an infection remains untreated and help protect partners.

Use condoms or other barrier methods for vaginal, anal and oral sex, and consider regular STI screening when your sexual circumstances change. Discuss testing with partners so decisions can be made together.

A sexual-health clinic, GP or clinician experienced in STI care can arrange confidential testing and treatment. Tell them about all sites of sexual contact so the testing plan is appropriate.