Gonorrhea

What is Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is a bacteria that mainly infects the genitals, urethra, rectum and throat of men and women, and sometimes the eyes.

How is it passed?
It is passed on by unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex, sharing sex toys, or passed from a mother to her baby at birth.

Signs and Symptoms
Many people with gonorrhea, particularly women, show no symptoms. Symptoms can be mild and go unnoticed, but typical signs of infection include:

  • Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina that can be thin or watery, yellow or green
  • Pain while urinating
  • Possible irritation or discharge from the anus
  • Lower abdominal pain
  • Pain or tenderness in the testicles

    • Tests and Treatment
    Usually a swab is taken from the vagina or tip of the penis or a sample of urine may be taken. The swab may feel a bit uncomfortable but should not be painful.

    Gonorrhea is easily treated with antibiotics. To avoid re-infection, sexual partners should also be treated.

    If untreated, gonorrhea can infect other reproductive organs in men and women and lead to serious health problems such as pelvic inflammatory disease or ectopic pregnancy, which can affect fertility.