Gonorrhoea

What is gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae which typically resides in penile discharge or vaginal fluids.

The infection can be spread through unprotected anal, oral or vaginal sex, affecting the cervix, urethra, rectum, throat (in rare cases) and eyes. Gonorrhoea can also be passed on to a baby from a pregnant woman, which, if left untreated, can cause the child to be born with complications.

What are the symptoms of gonorrhoea?

Not everyone who is infected will experience any noticeable symptoms. Symptoms of gonorrhoea infection include:

• Unusual penile or vaginal discharge
• Pain when passing urine
• Pain or tenderness in a woman's abdomen or a man's testes
• Abnormal bleeding between periods or after sex in women
• Inflammation of the foreskin in men.

Infections in the eyes, throat or rectum can occur, resulting in discomfort, pain, swelling and discharge. Infections in the throat generally exhibit no symptoms.

How can I prevent gonorrhoea?

Many STIs, such as gonorrhoea, can be prevented by practising safe sex. Preventive measures can include:

• Using barrier methods such as condoms and dams (thin sheets of plastic or latex) when having sex
• Not sharing sex toys, cleaning them, and covering them with a condom before each use

How to get tested for gonorrhoea

If you believe you have gonorrhoea, you can get tested at your local sexual health or genitourinary (GUM) clinic, or you could ask your GP about nearby places which offer testing.

Some antenatal and gynaecological services may also offer tests.

Treatments for gonorrhoea

The treatment for gonorrhoea usually involves a single injection of an antibiotic and a tablet of the same antibiotic. After this treatment, your symptoms should improve within a couple of days.

It's important to note that the treatment does not build up a tolerance in your body, which means that you are susceptible to catching gonorrhoea again.

If an injection cannot be given, an alternative treatment for gonorrhoea can be given, which involves taking two antibiotics (Suprax and Azithromycin) together as a one-time dose.

After treatment, you should temporarily abstain from sex until a second test can confirm that the infection has been cleared from your body. A follow-up appointment should be attended to determine whether the infection has been eradicated.

Staying safe with Prescription Doctor

Whether you are testing for gonorrhoea or treating the infection, Prescription Doctor upholds the strictest standards of confidence.

We deliver all our testing kits and treatments in discreet packaging so nobody else knows your business. All of our products are licensed in the UK and dispensed from our UK-registered pharmacy.

Our doctors are available to assist you with any questions you may have about your condition or the treatments we provide.