Gonorrhoea is the second most common STI in the UK. It is a bacterial infection. Gonorrhoea used to be known as 'the clap'. It mainly infects the genitals, urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder), anus and throat of men and women.
How is it passed on?
Gonorrhoea is spread through unprotected vaginal, oral and anal sex. It can also be passed on by sharing sex toys.
What are the signs and symptoms?
About 10% of men and 50% of women with Gonorrhoea show no symptoms but typical symptoms can include:
Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina that can be yellow or green
Frequently needing to urinate (pee)
Pain when urinating (peeing)
Irritation or discharge from the anus
Lower abdominal pain
What are the tests and treatments?
To test for Gonorrhoea a swab is taken from the vagina or tip of the penis and a sample of urine may also be taken. Gonorrhoea can be treated easily with antibiotics. Your sexual partner should also get treated to avoid re-infection.
If left untreated, Gonorrhoea can spread to the reproductive organs, causing infertility, ectopic pregnancy and pelvic inflammatory disease.
