Common STIs - Gonorrhoea

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Cause

Gonorrhoea is caused by the bacterium called Neisseria Gonorrhoeae.

If left untreated, Gonorrhoea can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women which can lead to chronic pain and/or the inability to get pregnant.

Symptoms

Infection with Gonorrhoea may have no symptoms at all. If symptoms do occur they may show as:

• in men, a discharge (pus) from the penis and/or a burning sensation when urinating.
• in women, an unusual discharge from the vagina or pain when urinating. Women may feel deep abdominal pain during vaginal sex.

Gonorrhoea can also infect the anus and the throat and there may be no signs at all.

How is it transmitted?

By unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex.

Management

Men are tested by a swab or urine test from the penis, and a swab from anus or throat. Women are tested using a urine test or a swab from the cervix, anus or throat. This disease is treated with a course of antibiotics. A follow up swab is taken when all the antibiotics are finished to make sure the infection is gone.

Prevention

Condoms used correctly for vaginal and anal sex are a good protection. Some people may also choose to use condoms for oral sex to reduce the risk of spreading Gonorrhoea.

Sponsor

Department of Human Services

Disclaimer Copyright Updated: 9 Jun 2009