Gonorrhoea
About Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI), also known as 'The Clap'. It's serious because if not treated early it can lead to some very serious health problems.
The good news is that it's easily treated with antibiotics.
Signs and symptoms
There are often none but if there are, boys are far more likely to notice symptoms than girls.
Girls:
A change in normal vaginal discharge; this may increase, change to a yellow or greenish colour and develop a strong smell.
A pain or burning sensation when going for a pee
Irritation and/or discharge from the anus.
Boys:
A yellow or white discharge from the penis.
Irritation and/or discharge from the anus.
Inflammation of the testicles and prostate gland.
How do you get it?
By having vaginal, oral or anal sex.
And less often by:
Rimming (where a person uses their mouth and tongue to stimulate another person's anus).
Inserting your fingers into an infected vagina, anus or mouth and then putting them into your own without washing your hands in between.
Mother to child transmission at birth.
Long-term effects
If left untreated in girls, gonorrhoea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. In boys, it can mean a serious infection in the testicles.
In rare cases it can get on the bloodstream and cause heart, skin and joint infections.
Testing and treatment
You can be tested for gonorrhoea at your local sexual health clinic .A doctor or a nurse carries out an examination of your genital area.
Samples are taken, using a cotton-wool or spongy swab, from any places which may be infected - the cervix, urethra, anus or throat
Girls are given an internal pelvic examination.
A sample of urine may be taken.
A course of antibiotics can be taken to treat gonorrhoea.
How to avoid sexually transmitted infections
Using a condom (male or female) correctly and consistently when you have sex will prevent the transmission of most STIs including HIV. However, there are also several things that you can do to make sex safer.
Be prepared:
Discuss with your partner before you have sex how you will both protect yourselves.
Become familiar with how to use condoms.
Have a supply of condoms ready (these are free from family planning and sexual health clinics).
There are lots of choices of condoms so try a different one if you are not happy with the ones you use now.
Learn about how infections are spread, what symptoms to look for, and where to get help if you are worried.
Take action:
Have a routine check up at a sexual health clinic (free!)
If you or your partner have symptoms or think you might have an infection seek advice before you have any more sex.
Tell your partner if you have an infection so they can be treated too.
You can find more information and advice at www.safesexberkshire.nhs.uk.