Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is a common bacterial infection. It often has no symptoms and is passed on unknowingly. It is easy to cure, but if left untreated it can cause serious complications and possible infertility.

Last updated: 19 June 2008

What is gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea is a common bacterial infection of the throat, anus, urethra (urine passage), cervix (neck of the womb) and eyes. Gonorrhoea is sometimes called 'gono' or 'the clap'. It is usually transmitted during sex.

Gonorrhoea infections have been increasing steadily in Australia since 1997, particularly among young people aged 15 to 29, and among men who have sex with men.

What are the symptoms?

Usually there are no noticeable symptoms: people often carry the gonorrhoea infection and pass it on to others without knowing it. If symptoms do appear they usually develop 2 to 10 days after infection, and they affect men and women differently:

In men, symptoms can include:
• a discharge from the penis
• irritation or pain when urinating
• redness around the opening of the penis
• a sore throat
• anal discharge or discomfort

In women, symptoms can include:
• an unusual vaginal discharge
• irregular vaginal bleeding
• pain when urinating
• pelvic pain, especially during sex

If gonorrhoea is not treated in women it can spread to the womb and fallopian tubes causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a condition that can lead to infertility.

How is it spread?

Gonorrhoea can be transmitted through oral, anal or vaginal sex. It can also be transmitted by sex toys and hands and fingers if they have been in contact with an infected person's genitals or anus.

Gonorrhoea is contagious whether symptoms are noticeable or not.

Who is at risk?

The people most at risk of catching gonorrhoea are:
• men who have sex with men
• people who have had sex overseas
• some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders living in remote areas

How is it prevented?

Using a condom for vaginal or anal sex can significantly reduce the risk of catching gonorrhoea and other sexually transmitted infections.

Avoid having sex with a partner who has been diagnosed with gonorrhoea until after they have completed there treatment.

Avoid sharing sex toys and consider using condoms with sex toys for further protection.
Have regular sexual health checks to identify infections early to prevent passing the infection on to others and before complications develop.

How is it diagnosed?

Gonorrhoea is diagnosed by taking a swab (using a long cotton bud) from any place which may have become infected - the cervix, urethra, anus or throat - and testing it in a laboratory. A urine sample may also be used to check for infections in the urethra. Neither of these tests is painful.

How is it treated?

Gonorrhoea is easily treated with one dose of antibiotics.

What is the public health response?

If you have been diagnosed with gonorrhoea it is important to tell your recent sexual partner(s) so they can be tested and treated, and so they do not infect others. Your doctor or sexual health clinic can help you decide who may be at risk and help you to contact them. If you wish, this can be done anonymously by your doctor.

Gonorrhoea is a notifiable disease. This means that doctors and laboratory staff are legally required to tell the Department of Public Health about new cases. These notifications are used to help find and treat others who may be at risk before they become ill or infect others. The data is also used for public health planning.

Avoid sex until both you and your partner(s) have treated.

Further Information

Sexual Health Information Line (02) 9382 7440 or freecall 1800 451 624 (outside Sydney).

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