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Understanding Your Sexual Health - Gonorrhoea
What is Gonorrhoea?
Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It primarily affects the mucous membranes of the urethra, cervix, rectum, throat, and eyes. It is especially prevalent among sexually active individuals and can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Gonorrhoea symptoms can vary and may not always be obvious. Common symptoms in men include a painful or burning sensation when urinating, white, yellow, or green urethral discharge, and swollen testicles. Women may experience increased vaginal discharge, painful urination, and bleeding between periods. Both men and women can develop rectal infections, which may cause discomfort, discharge, and bleeding.
The Importance of Testing
Regular STI testing is crucial for sexually active individuals in the UK, especially those with new or multiple partners. Testing for gonorrhoea is usually performed through a urine sample or swabs from affected areas. Early detection and treatment can prevent serious health complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease in women and infertility in both genders.
Treatment Options
Gonorrhoea can be effectively treated with antibiotics. The current standard in the UK involves a combination of an injection and oral medication. It is essential to complete the entire course of treatment and refrain from sexual activity until a follow-up test confirms the infection has cleared. Notify all recent sexual partners so they can be tested and treated if necessary.
Prevention Strategies
Preventing gonorrhoea involves practicing safe sex by consistently using condoms and dental dams. Regular STI screenings and open communication with sexual partners also play a significant role. Reducing the number of sexual partners and maintaining mutually monogamous relationships can further decrease the risk of infection.
Resources and Support
If you suspect you have gonorrhoea or have been exposed to it, contact your GP, local sexual health clinics, or organisations such as the NHS. These resources provide confidential testing, treatment, and counselling. Educating yourself and others about STIs fosters a healthier and more informed community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gonorrhoea?
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can infect the genital area, rectum, and throat.
How is gonorrhoea transmitted?
Gonorrhoea is transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. It can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby during childbirth.
What are the symptoms of gonorrhoea?
Common symptoms include a burning sensation when urinating, unusual discharge from the penis or vagina, and pain or swelling in the testicles. Some people may not show symptoms at all.
Can gonorrhoea be asymptomatic?
Yes, many people with gonorrhoea do not experience symptoms, which is why regular testing is important if you are sexually active.
How is gonorrhoea diagnosed?
Gonorrhoea can be diagnosed via a urine test or a swab of the affected area, such as the throat, rectum, or genital area.
Is there a cure for gonorrhoea?
Yes, gonorrhoea can be effectively treated with antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional.
What happens if gonorrhoea is left untreated?
If untreated, gonorrhoea can lead to serious health issues like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and epididymitis in men, which can cause infertility. It can also spread to the bloodstream and cause disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI).
How can I prevent gonorrhoea?
Prevent gonorrhoea by using condoms during sex, having regular STI screenings, and maintaining a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative for STIs.
Can I get reinfected with gonorrhoea after treatment?
Yes, being treated for gonorrhoea does not provide immunity. You can get reinfected if you have unprotected sex with an infected person.
How long does it take for symptoms to appear after exposure?
Symptoms of gonorrhoea can appear within 2 to 10 days after exposure, but it may take up to 30 days in some cases.
Can gonorrhoea affect other parts of the body?
Yes, gonorrhoea can infect the throat (pharyngeal gonorrhoea) and the rectum (rectal gonorrhoea), causing symptoms like sore throat or rectal pain and discharge.
Is there a test specifically for women and for men?
Tests are available for both men and women, but the type of test may vary. Women may have a swab taken from the cervix while men typically provide a urine sample.
Is it necessary to inform my partner if I test positive for gonorrhoea?
Yes, informing your partner is crucial as it allows them to get tested and treated to prevent further spread of the infection.
Where can I get tested for gonorrhoea in the UK?
You can get tested at sexual health clinics, through your GP, or at many community clinics across the UK. Some services also offer free home testing kits.
Is gonorrhoea treatment free in the UK?
Yes, treatment for gonorrhoea is free through the NHS in the UK.
Useful Links
Useful links from: Rectal swab test for Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia
- NHS - Gonorrhoea NHS information page on Gonorrhoea, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
- NHS - Chlamydia NHS guide to Chlamydia, covering symptoms, testing, treatment, and prevention.
- Terrence Higgins Trust - Gonorrhoea Charity page by Terrence Higgins Trust providing detailed information on Gonorrhoea testing and treatment.
- Terrence Higgins Trust - Chlamydia Information on Chlamydia from Terrence Higgins Trust, including how to get tested and treatment options.
Useful links from: Urine test for Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia
- NHS - Gonorrhoea Official NHS page providing comprehensive information about gonorrhoea, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
- NHS - Chlamydia NHS guide detailing the key aspects of chlamydia, such as its symptoms, testing, treatment, and prevention methods.
- Terrence Higgins Trust - Gonorrhoea Terrence Higgins Trust page offering detailed insights into gonorrhoea, methods of transmission, testing, and treatment options.
- Terrence Higgins Trust - Chlamydia An informative page by Terrence Higgins Trust focusing on chlamydia, including its symptoms, risk factors, testing, and available treatments.
Useful links from: Vaginal Swab test for Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia
- NHS - Gonorrhoea Comprehensive information on Gonorrhoea, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options provided by NHS.
- NHS - Chlamydia Detailed overview of Chlamydia, including symptoms, treatments, and preventive measures according to NHS guidelines.
- Terrence Higgins Trust - Gonorrhoea Information provided by the Terrence Higgins Trust on testing and screening for Gonorrhoea, including guidance on vaginal swabs.
- National Chlamydia Screening Programme NHS resource dedicated to the National Chlamydia Screening Programme, offering details on where and how to get screened for Chlamydia.
Useful links from: The symptoms of gonorrhoea
- NHS - Gonorrhoea Comprehensive resource from the UK's National Health Service on the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gonorrhoea.
- Terrence Higgins Trust - Gonorrhoea Information from the UK's leading HIV and sexual health charity about the symptoms, testing, and treatment of gonorrhoea.
- FPA - Gonorrhoea Factsheet from the Family Planning Association detailing symptoms, how gonorrhoea is spread, and available treatments.
- British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) - Gonorrhoea Clinical guidelines for healthcare professionals about the management of gonorrhoea, including symptoms and treatment protocols, from the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV.
Useful links from: Pharyngeal swab for Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia
- NHS - Gonorrhoea Comprehensive information on gonorrhoea, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention from the NHS.
- NHS - Chlamydia Detailed guide on chlamydia provided by the NHS, covering symptoms, risks, testing, and treatment.
- Terrence Higgins Trust - Gonorrhoea Information on gonorrhoea from the UK's leading HIV and sexual health charity, the Terrence Higgins Trust.
- Terrence Higgins Trust - Chlamydia An overview of chlamydia, including testing and treatment, from the Terrence Higgins Trust.
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