Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection which can be painful and can cause serious health problems such as infertility in both men and women
Most common symptoms
Gonorrhoea is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection which can be painful and can cause serious health problems such as infertility in both men and women
Most common symptoms
Women – Women may not notice anything wrong but they can still pass the infection onto their partner. Infection usually starts in the cervix, then spreading internally to the womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Some women may notice one or more of the following –
Men – Symptoms in men usually appear within 2-5 days of catching the infection. Infections in the throat or rectum usually go unnoticed.
Burning pain in your crown jewels when answering a call of nature
Dong starts dripping like you forgot to turn the tap off
If your lucky all you need is a quick wee sample, if not be prepared to drop your pants so a swab can be taken from your penis, vagina, anus, throat or eyes. The decision on which test is suitable for yourself will depend on the symptoms you are showing.
Gonorrhoea can be treated with a combination of antibiotics, one is usually given by injection.
Occasionally if your symptoms don’t go away or you are found to have a resistant strain of gonorrhoea a second course of antibiotics is needed.
Women – Gonorrhoea can spread to other reproductive organs causing long term pain, blocked tubes, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. During pregnancy it can also lead to premature birth, a miscarriage or the baby being born with conjunctivitis.
Men – Gonorrhoea can cause a painful infection in the bollocks, prostate gland and may reduce fertility.
In rare cases gonorrhoea can also effect the eyes and can cause redness and irritation, inflammation of the joints and tendons, skin lesions or it can spread through the bloodstream, causing life-threatening infections in other parts of the body.