Everything you need to know about Gonorrhoea

Because gonorrhoea often causes no obvious symptoms, it can go undetected and lead to serious complications such as infertility. In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything you need to know about gonorrhoea: from symptoms and diagnosis to treatment and prevention.

1. What is gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is one of the most common STDs in the world and can affect both men and women. The infection is transmitted mainly through unprotected sexual contacts, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. The bacteria often infect the urethra, rectum and, in women, the cervix. Sometimes it can spread to the throat or eyes, especially in people who have had oral sex without protection.

Gonorrhoea is sometimes called a silent infection because some people experience no symptoms, which means it can spread undetected. This highlights the importance of regular testing, especially if you have alternating sexual contacts.

2. How do you get Gonorrhoea?

The bacteria is transmitted through direct contact with infected mucous membranes. This means you can get gonorrhoea by:

• Unprotected vaginal sex
• Anal sex without a condom
• Oral sex with an infected partner
• Sharing sex toys without cleaning

Frequently asked questions:

• Can you get Gonorrhoea from kissing?➝ No, Gonorrhoea does not spread through kissing or saliva.
• Can you get Gonorrhoea without sex ➝ This is rare, but possible through infected fingers or sex toys.
• How high is the risk of Gonorrhoea ➝ The risk is significantly high when having unprotected sex with an infected partner.

3. Can Gonorrhoea cure by itself?

No, gonorrhoea does not cure itself. Without treatment, it can spread further in the body and cause serious complications. Possible consequences of untreated Gonorrhoea include:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can lead to infertility
• Chronic pain in the lower abdomen
• Inflammation of the epididymis (epididymitis) in men
• Sepsis (blood poisoning) if the infection spreads through the blood

It is essential to take an STD test if you are experiencing symptoms or have had unprotected sex with a partner who may be infected.

4. What does Gonorrhoea look like?

Symptoms vary by person and gender. In men, Gonorrhoea often manifests as a yellow-green, pus-like discharge from the penis(dripping), accompanied by a burning sensation when urinating.

In women, symptoms are often more subtle or completely absent, making diagnosis difficult. Possible signs include:

• Increased vaginal discharge
• Pain or burning sensation when urinating
• Intermediate bleeding
• Pain during sexual intercourse

Some people develop Gonorrhoea in the throat after oral sex, which can cause a sore throat or a red irritated feeling.

5. Is gonorrhoea dangerous?

Yes, untreated Gonorrhoea can lead to:

• Infertility in both men and women due to scarring of the reproductive organs
• Inflammation in the joints (gonococcal arthritis)
• Increased risk of HIV infection
• Blindness in newborns if an infected mother passes on the infection during delivery

It is therefore crucial to get Gonorrhoea treated in time.

6. How infectious is Gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea is highly contagious and can be easily transmitted through sexual contact. The risk of infection in a single unprotected sexual act is high. Therefore, safe sex, such as condom use, is strongly recommended.

7. How long does Gonorrhoea stay in your body?

Without treatment, the bacteria remain present and can spread to other parts of the body. With antibiotics, Gonorrhoea can be cured within 7-10 days. After treatment, it is important to do a control test to make sure the infection is completely gone.

8. What are the symptoms of Gonorrhoea?

The symptoms of Gonorrhoea can vary by gender and location of infection.

In men:

• A burning sensation when urinating
• A thick, yellow-green discharge from the penis (gonorrhoea)
• Pain or swelling in the testicles
• Pain in the anus (in case of anal infection)

In women:

• Increased vaginal discharge
• Pain or burning sensation when urinating
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Bleeding between periods
• Pelvic pain in advanced infection

In the throat:

Gonorrhoea in the throat usually causes no symptoms, but in some cases can lead to a sore throat and swollen glands.

In the rectum:

During anal sex, Gonorrhoea can infect the rectum and cause symptoms such as itching, pain, discharge or blood loss.

Many people experience no symptoms, allowing the infection to spread undetected. Therefore, regular testing is important, especially if you have had high-risk sexual contacts.

9. How is gonorrhoea diagnosed?

Gonorrhoea can be diagnosed by various medical tests. The most commonly used methods are:

• Urine test: This is the most common test for men and is used to detect infection in the urethra.
• Swab: A swab of the cervix (in women), throat or anus can be taken to detect the bacteria.
• Laboratory culture: Sometimes a sample is sent to a laboratory to grow the bacteria and test its susceptibility to antibiotics.

If you have had sex with a partner who has tested positive for Gonorrhoea, it is recommended to get yourself tested too, even if you have no symptoms.

10. How do you treat Gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea is treated with antibiotics. The standard treatment is:

• An injection of ceftriaxone combined with oral azithromycin.

This combination not only helps cure the infection but also counteracts any resistance of the bacteria to antibiotics.

Key treatment guidelines:

• Complete the full course of treatment even if you already feel better.
• Avoid sex until a doctor confirms you are fully cured.
• Get tested again a few weeks after treatment, especially if your symptoms persist.

11. Can Gonorrhoea come back after treatment?

Yes, Gonorrhoea can come back in two ways:

1. Re-infection: If you have sex with an infected partner again after treatment.
2. Antibiotic resistance: In rare cases, the infection may not disappear completely if the bacteria are resistant to certain antibiotics.

To prevent reinfection, it is important that all your sexual partners are also tested and treated before you have sex again.

12. How to prevent Gonorrhoea?

Prevention is the key to avoiding Gonorrhoea infection. The main preventive measures are:

• Use condoms and dental flaps during vaginal, anal and oral sex.
• Get tested regularly, especially if you have alternating sexual contacts.
• Avoid sex with an infected partner until they are fully treated.
• Wash sex toys thoroughly or use a condom when sharing.

13. What happens if you don’t treat Gonorrhoea?

Untreated Gonorrhoea can have serious consequences, such as:

• Infertility due to damage to the fallopian tubes in women and inflammation of the epididymis in men.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a serious infection that can cause chronic pelvic pain and pregnancy complications.
• Spread of infection to joints and blood, which can lead to life-threatening complications.
• Increased risk of other STDs, such as HIV.
• Eye infections in newborns, which can cause blindness if a mother is infected during delivery.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How soon do symptoms disappear after treatment?

Usually within a few days to a week, but a control test is recommended.

Can you have Gonorrhoea without symptoms?

Yes, many people do not notice anything, but can still spread the infection.

When should I get tested?

If you have symptoms, have had a high-risk sexual relationship, or if your partner has tested positive.

Conclusion

Gonorrhoea is a common but easily treatable STD. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications. By practising safe sex and getting tested regularly, you can minimise the risk of infection.

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