Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) which used to be called 'the clap'. Most females and some males have no symptoms at all - so you don't know when you have it or when your partner has it.
Signs and symptoms:
- Most males get a yellow discharge from the penis and a burning sensation when passing urine.
- Most females have no symptoms at all. Some may notice unusual vaginal discharge, pain when passing urine and lower belly pain.
- Both males and females may have a sore throat.
Risky when:
You have unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex, that is, without a condom or dam.
What can happen:
If gonorrhoea is left untreated, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in females and infertility in males. PID is when the infection spreads into a woman's reproductive organs and may cause infertility (so you can't have a baby). Gonorrhoea can also cause a condition which gives males very sore testes (balls).
Treatment:
If you have gonorrhoea your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. Your doctor will ask you about other people you may have had unprotected sex with - as they could also have gonorrhoea. This is called contact tracing.
Prevention:
- Always use condoms or dams and water-based lubricant.
- Before you have sex, talk with your partner about the importance of safer sex.
- Be open with your partner and make sure you or they don't have any other sex partners.
- Limit your sex partners.
- Have regular STI tests.
Other STIs and BBVs
