Gonorrhoea is caused by bacteriaA microscopic organism composed of a single cell. Many bacteria can cause disease in humans. that can be passed from one person to another during sex. The bacteria usually live inside the cells of the cervix (entrance to the womb), the urethra (tube where urine comes out), the rectum (back passage), the throat and occasionally the eyes.
The infection can spread if you have vaginal, anal or oral sex, or share sex toys. Using a condom correctly will reduce your chance of getting or passing on gonorrhoea.
It is also possible to transfer the infection from the genital area to the eyes by fi ngers, and for a pregnant woman to pass the infection to her baby’s eyes at birth.
Symptoms
About 50% of women, but very few men, will have no symptoms. If you do have symptoms, which might show up from 1 to 14 days after infection, they include:
- An unusual vaginal discharge which may be thin or watery, or yellow or green;
- Pain when passing urine;
- Lower abdominal pain or tenderness.
A gonorrhoea test involves a sample of cells being taken from the potentially infected area using a swab (a soft, rounded cotton implement similar to a cotton bud), although a urine test can also diagnose it if the infection is in the urethra or cervix.
Treatment consists of antibiotics, frequently a single dose.
In women, gonorrhoea can spread to other reproductive organs causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This can lead to long-term pelvic pain, blocked fallopian tubes, ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that occurs outside the womb) and infertility. It is estimated that there is a 15% risk of PID with each episode if the gonorrhoea is not treated.
Treat Yourself Right
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