Gonorrhoea
What is it?
Gonorrhoea, often referred to as 'the clap', is a type of bacteria that can infect the urethra (tube that carries urine from bladder to outside) in both men and women , anus, cervix (neck of the womb), and throat of both men and women.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms usually develop within two to ten days after contact. It is possible to be infected with gonorrhoea and have no symptoms. If symptoms appear, they can include burning or discomfort during urination and/or an abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis. It can also include a dry, sore throat and a lower abdomen pain in women.
How is it transmitted?
Gonorrhoea can be transmitted through oral, anal and vaginal sex without a condom with an infected person.
How can I prevent transmission?
Using condoms during sex will significantly reduce the risk of gonorrhoea transmission.
How is it diagnosed?
A swab (long cotton bud or small plastic loop) or a urine sample might be taken. Swab samples are taken from any place infected - the cervix, urethra, anus or throat - and then tested in a laboratory. The tests are not painful.
How is it treated?
Gonorrhoea is effectively treated by a single dose of antibiotics.Your sexual partner(s) will need treatment too so they don't give it back to you or pass it on to someone else.
If gonorrhoea is not treated it may lead to decreased fertility in both men and women or can progress to other complications for both men and women including pelvic inflammatory disease in women.