Symptoms and Signs:

• Women: Most women with gonorrhoea do not have symptoms. When they do, common signs include:
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Pain or burning during urination
  • Vaginal bleeding between periods or during intercourse.
• Men: Common symptoms in men include:
  • Pain or burning when urinating
  • White, yellow, or greenish discharge from the penis
  • Pain or swelling in the testes.

Asymptomatic Cases:

about 1 in 10 infected men and almost half of infected women do not experience any obvious symptoms.

How Do I Protect Myself from Gonorrhoea?

Protection involves a combination of knowledge and safe practices. Follow these vital steps:

• Practice Safe Sex:
  • Always use a latex condom during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Condoms act as a barrier and significantly reduce the risk of gonorrhoea transmission.
  • For oral sex, use a dental dam to protect against STIs.
• 2. Have Regular Testing:
  • If you’re sexually active, get tested regularly for STIs, especially if you have new or casual partners. Early detection allows prompt treatment.
• Have Honest Communication:
  • Talk openly with your partner(s) about sexual history, testing, and safe practices.
  • Encourage your partner(s) to get tested as well.
• Avoid Risk Taking Behaviours:
  • Avoid sharing needles for drug use.
  • Prevent genital contact with an infected partner’s genitals, even without penetration. This includes oral sex with infected persons and used sex toys.

Remember, knowledge and proactive steps are your best defence against gonorrhoea. Regular testing and safe practices are essential for maintaining sexual health.

The symptoms of gonorrhoea in both men and women:

• Symptoms in Women:
  • At least 70% of women with gonorrhoea don’t notice any symptoms.
  • If symptoms do occur, common ones include:
    • Vaginal discharge
    • Pain or burning when passing urine
    • Pain or tenderness in the lower abdominal area
    • Bleeding between periods
    • Heavier periods or bleeding after sex (less common)
  • If left untreated, gonorrhoea can spread to the womb and cause a serious condition called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to infertility.
• Symptoms in Men:
  • At least half of all men with gonorrhoea don’t notice any symptoms.
  • If symptoms do develop, they may include:
    • Unusual discharge from the tip of the penis (white, yellow, or green)
    • Pain or burning when urinating
    • Inflammation (swelling) of the foreskin
    • Pain or tenderness in the testicles (rare)
  • Untreated gonorrhoea can cause swelling in the epididymis (the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles) and affect fertility.
• Infection in Other Areas:

  Gonorrhoea can also infect other areas:

  • Rectum: Through unprotected anal sex, causing discomfort and rectal discharge.
  • Throat: Through unprotected oral sex (usually asymptomatic).
  • Eyes: Contact with infected semen or vaginal fluid, leading to eye redness, pain, and discharge (conjunctivitis).

When to Seek Medical Advice:

• If you experience any symptoms of gonorrhoea, visit your GP, community contraceptive service, or local genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic promptly.
• Regular testing is recommended for sexually active individuals, especially those under 25 years old.

Remember, early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent complications. Regular screenings and safe practices are essential for maintaining sexual health.