Gonorrhoea is a bacterial STI that can infect the reproductive organs in girls and guys. It can also infect the urethra (tube you pee through), mouth, throat and anus.
How is it passed on?
- Unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex
- Sharing sex toys
Symptoms
Often no obvious symptoms, but may include:
- pain / burning feeling when peeing
- unusual discharge (fluid) from the vagina, penis or anus
- pain during sex
- sore dry throat
- conjunctivitis (eye inflammation)
- girls may notice bleeding in between periods
- lower abdominal pain
How is it tested?
- Urine test (pee in a cup) and/or
- Swab sample from the vagina, anus or throat
How is it treated?
- An antibiotic injection.
- Your sexual partner/s will need to be tested and treated to avoid re-infecting each other.
- Avoid having sex for seven days after you have both been treated to prevent passing the infection onto partners or becoming infected again yourself.
- A follow-up test in three months’ time is recommended to make sure the infection is gone.
How can I prevent getting it?
- Use a condom and/or dam during vaginal, anal or oral sex and when sharing sex toys.
