What are the signs or symptoms?

10% of men and 80% of women don't get symptoms but symptoms can include:

In women

• Vaginal discharge (white, yellow or green)
• The need to pass urine more often (frequency)
• Pain when peeing or during sex
• Lower abdominal pain (tummy)
• Bleeding after sex

In men

• A white, yellow, or green discharge from the end of the penis
• Pain when urinating
• Pain or tenderness in the testicles (balls)

Testing for Gonorrhoea

When visiting a clinic, you will be asked for a urine sample and staff may use a swab to collect a sample of cells from your penis, vagina, throat or anus. This only takes a few seconds and is not painful although you may feel a bit uncomfortable for a very short time.

Treatment for Gonorrhoea

Most STIs can be treated with antibiotics and it is important that you complete the course. For gonorrhoea it is important to use the right type of antibiotic and to make sure you have been cured once the course of treatment has ended. Staff will explain your treatment and discuss how to avoid getting infected again in the future. You should tell a member of staff if you think you may be pregnant as this can affect the type of antibiotic given. Remember, using condoms every time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex will really reduce the risk of getting or passing on STIs. Condoms can be used for different types of sex (anal, oral and vaginal), although they are not specifically made for anal and vaginal sex, flavoured condoms can be used for anal & vaginal sex if they are the only condom you have at the time.

Protecting Myself

Just like any other STI, to protect yourself and others it is important to use a condom whenever you have vaginal or anal sex. It is also advisable to avoid sharing sex toys or to wash them or cover them with a new condom before anyone else uses them. Remember, you can get hold of free condoms in any sexual health clinic.