Gonorrhoea Fact File
Gonorrhoea is a term that often carries a heavy stigma, but understanding it is the first step towards prevention and effective treatment. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide and can affect anyone who is sexually active. Despite being a well-known infection, many people remain unaware of its symptoms, risks, and the importance of regular testing.
Left untreated, gonorrhoea can lead to serious health complications, including infertility and long-term pain. However, with the right knowledge, prevention strategies, and medical intervention, it is entirely manageable. The good news is that gonorrhoea is treatable, but as antibiotic resistance becomes a growing concern, awareness and early detection have never been more critical.
Let's delve into what gonorrhoea is, how it manifests, and the measures you can take to protect yourself and others. In this guide, we will cover symptoms, treatment options, prevention methods, and complications, including how gonorrhoea can affect pregnancy.
Important: If you feel you may have or been exposed to an STI, it's best to seek further advice from the NHS website.
What is Gonorrhoea?
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This bacterium thrives in warm, moist areas of the body, including the reproductive tract, urethra, mouth, throat, eyes, and rectum. It's primarily transmitted through unprotected vaginal or oral sex.
Sharing sex toys without proper cleaning or without using a new condom for each person can also spread the infection. Importantly, gonorrhoea cannot survive outside the human body for long, so it's not spread through casual contact like hugging, kissing, sharing towels, or using the same toilet seats.
As reported by the UK Health Security Agency, in 2023 confirmed gonorrhoea diagnoses grew 7.5% to 85,223 cases.
Symptoms of Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea can be a stealthy infection. Many individuals may not exhibit any symptoms, which underscores the importance of regular testing, especially if you've had unprotected sex or have a new partner. When symptoms do occur, they typically appear within two weeks of exposure but can sometimes emerge months later.
Symptoms in Women
In women, gonorrhoea often affects the cervix but can also infect the urethra or throat. Common symptoms include:
- Unusual Vaginal Discharge: This may be thin or watery and green or yellow in colour.
- Pain or Burning Sensation When Urinating: Often mistaken for a urinary tract infection.
- Lower Abdominal Pain or Tenderness: This can be a sign of the infection spreading to the reproductive organs.
- Bleeding Between Periods or Heavier Periods: Although less common, some women experience irregular menstrual bleeding.
It's worth noting that about half of infected women may not experience any symptoms, making it easy to overlook without regular screenings.
Symptoms in Men
Men are more likely to notice symptoms, which may include:
- Unusual Discharge from the Penis: This can be white, yellow, or green and may stain underwear. Therefore, it is best to keep an eye out on your penis.
- Pain or Burning Sensation When Urinating: A common sign that prompts men to seek medical attention.
- Inflammation (Swelling) of the Foreskin: This can cause discomfort and may be accompanied by redness.
- Pain or Tenderness in the Testicles: Though rare, some men experience testicular pain.
Approximately 10% of infected men may not exhibit symptoms, highlighting the need for regular testing.
Treatment for Gonorrhoea
The good news is that gonorrhoea is treatable with antibiotics. The standard treatment involves a single antibiotic injection, usually administered in the buttocks or thigh. In some cases, an additional oral antibiotic may be prescribed. It's crucial to complete the full course of treatment to ensure the infection is fully eradicated.
After treatment, symptoms typically improve within a few days, but it's advisable to avoid sexual activity until you and your partner(s) have been tested and treated, and any symptoms have fully resolved. This helps prevent re-infection and the spread of the infection to others.
How to Avoid Getting and Spreading Gonorrhoea
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some steps to reduce your risk of contracting or spreading gonorrhoea:
- Use Condoms: Consistently and correctly using condoms during vaginal and oral sex significantly reduces the risk of transmission.
- Regular Testing: Especially important if you have new or multiple partners. Early detection allows for prompt treatment and reduces the risk of complications.
- Communicate with Partners: Open discussions about sexual health and STI testing can help ensure everyone's safety.
- Avoid Sharing Sex Toys: If you do share, ensure they're thoroughly cleaned and covered with a new condom for each person.
Complications of Gonorrhoea
If left untreated, gonorrhoea can lead to serious health issues:
- In Women: The infection can spread to the reproductive organs, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can lead to long-term pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility.
- In Men: It can cause painful infections in the testicles and prostate gland, potentially leading to reduced fertility.
- In Both Genders: Untreated gonorrhoea can spread to the bloodstream, causing disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI), which can affect the skin, joints, and other organs.
- In Newborns: Pregnant women with gonorrhoea can transmit the infection to their babies during childbirth, leading to severe eye infections and even blindness if not promptly treated.
Gonorrhoea in Pregnancy
Pregnant women with gonorrhoea face additional risks. The infection can lead to complications such as miscarriage, premature labour, and low birth weight. Moreover, there's a risk of transmitting the infection to the baby during delivery, which can result in a severe eye infection known as ophthalmia neonatorum.
This condition can cause blindness if not treated promptly. Therefore, it's essential for pregnant women to undergo regular STI screenings and receive appropriate treatment if infected.
Remember to Bag it Up
Understanding gonorrhoea is vital in taking control of your sexual health. Regular testing, open communication with partners, and consistent use of protection are key steps in preventing and managing this infection. If you suspect you might have gonorrhoea or have been exposed to it, seek medical advice promptly. Remember, early detection and treatment are crucial in preventing complications and ensuring overall well-being.
For more detailed information, you can visit the NHS website on gonorrhoea.
Read more: Guide to Condoms
