Spotlight On: Sexually Transmitted Infections – Gonorrhoea

Over the last number of months, we’ve certainly learned a thing or two about the wide range of contraceptives that are available on the market today. Now, we are going to continue our focus on sexual health by studying a wide range of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Last week, we took a look at genital herpes. This week, we will be focusing on gonorrhoea. ____________________________________________ What is gonorrhoea? Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the germ the gonococcus. How do you get gonorrhoea? You can get gonorrhoea if you have sex with someone who is infected with it. This can be through vaginal, oral or anal sex. What are the symptoms of gonorrhoea? Approximately one in two women may develop an increase or a change to vaginal discharge. Some women experience pain in the lower part of their stomach, while in some rare cases there may be bleeding between periods. In some cases, there may be pain while passing urine which may be mistaken for a urine infection. There is also the possibility of an infection of the back of the throat or the rectum. Does gonorrhoea cause any complications? Gonorrhoea may cause some complications if left untreated. An infection could spread to the uterus which may result in pelvic inflammatory disease which may cause long-lasting pain and lead to infertility. If you have gonorrhoea while pregnant it may complicate the pregnancy by premature labour, ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. The infection may also spread to the eyes of a newborn baby which will cause ophthalmia neonatorum. A pelvic infection may also spread to the liver and an abscess may develop in the glands on either side of the vaginal opening. How do I get tested for gonorrhoea? If you suspect that you have gonorrhoea then it is advised you should be tested even if symptoms do not persist. You may be sent to your local GUM clinic for this, which you can also attend without a GP referral. The test can be carried out from a urine sample or a swap of discharge. Another swab may be taken from inside the womb, and testing for other STIs may also be carried out. What is the treatment for gonorrhoea? The normal treatment for gonorrhoea is an injection of antibiotic medicine plus antibiotics taken orally. Some other treatments may also be used. Your sexual partner should also be tested for gonorrhoea, even if they are not presenting with any symptoms. There is usually a follow-up with a healthcare professional after treatment to ensure that the treatment is gone. How can I prevent gonorrhoea? As with most sexually transmitted infections, to protect against gonorrhoea you should always use a new condom and ensure it is correctly fitted each time that you have sex.