Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium “Neisseria Gonorrhoeae.” Gonorrhoea is the second most common sexually transmitted disease after Chlamydia, affecting people of all sexes. It is most common amongst those aged 25 and under. Gonorrhoea can cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes and uterus in people with those organs if left untreated. Therefore, it is a good idea to test for Gonorrhoea at least every 12 months if:
- are under the age of 25 and are sexually active
- are over 25 and have a new sexual partner, multiple sexual partners or a partner who has been diagnosed with an STI
How can you catch Gonorrhoea?
Gonorrhoea is usually passed from one person to another through unprotected sex – either anal, oral or vaginal. It can also be passed on through contact with your partner’s genitals – even if ejaculation does not occur. It is a rare occurrence, but Gonorrhoea can also be passed on if infected semen or vaginal fluid comes into contact with your eye. Pregnant women can also pass Gonorrhoea onto their unborn babies. Gonorrhoea is not spread by sharing cutlery and crockery, hugging and kissing, sharing baths or towels, in swimming pools or through toilet seats as the bacteria that causes it to be unable to survive outside of the body for long periods.
What are the symptoms of Gonorrhoea?
The bacteria that causes Gonorrhoea can infect the entrance to the womb (cervix), the rectum (bottom) and the tube which passes urine out of your body (urethra). Typical symptoms of Gonorrhoea in women include:
- bleeding between periods
- heavier periods and bleeding after sex
- pain or a burning sensation when weeing
- pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen
- pain during sex
- unusual vaginal discharge, which may be green or yellow in colour and watery
Common symptoms of urethral Gonorrhoea in men include:
- Inflammation of the foreskin/head of the penis
- pain or tenderness in the testicles
- pain or a burning sensation when weeing
- white, yellow or green discharge from the penis
Both sexes can also suffer from:
- Anal discomfort, pain or discharge
- irritation, pain, swelling or discharge from the eye
- Sore throat
However, it is essential to note that the typical symptoms of Gonorrhoea, as outlined above, may not present themselves. Studies have shown that approximately 50% of women and 10% of men infected with Gonorrhoea do not experience any symptoms. Symptoms may also not appear until months later. If it is left untreated, Gonorrhoea can lead to other health issues, such as:
- ectopic pregnancy
- pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- reduced fertility
- testicular swelling
How can I test for Gonorrhoea?
If you are worried that you may have been exposed to Gonorrhoea, then you can use the Test2Go Gonorrhoea test to check in the privacy of your home. Our test is a non-invasive test that uses a urine sample, and the results will advise you whether you have contracted Gonorrhoea or not. Your confidential result will be with you three working days after we have received your sample back at our accredited labs. Our test is for advisory purposes only. It is not a medical diagnosis. If your test returns positive, you should make an appointment with your doctor or attend a sexual health clinic so that they can decide on the best treatment for you and explore your next steps.
NB. It is important to note that our tests are not a substitute for seeing a doctor, particularly if you have symptoms. It would help if you did not make a diagnosis or start any treatment without a consultation with a doctor or a suitably trained health professional.
