Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is caused by bacteria that can infect the mucous membrane (lining) of the vagina, penis, anus and eyes. Women often have no obvious symptoms of gonorrhoea. Men usually suffer from a 'drip' - discharge from the penis. Oral sex can cause an infection in the throat. Even if you have had no symptoms, the infection can have complications such as an inflammation in a man’s testicles or a woman’s fallopian tubes. If the inflammation in the fallopian tubes is left untreated, the woman may later have an ectopic pregnancy or become infertile.

Symptoms

In women:

• More or a different kind of discharge
• Pain or a burning feeling when passing urine
• Abdominal pain

In men:

• Pain or a burning feeling when passing urine
• Yellowish/greenish pus-like discharge from the penis (often called the drip)
• Regularly having to pass small amounts of urine
• Severe pain in the scrotum

Gonorrhoea is easy to treat if diagnosed in time.

Safe Sex

Use a condom for vaginal, anal and oral sex. Avoid any unprotected genital contact (even using your hands). Use a dental dam for licking the vagina or anus (rimming). Take care when sharing a sex toy: wash it or put a new condom on it before another person uses it.