What is Gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea is a germ that is spread through having sex without a condom with an infected person. It is considered a sexually transmissible infection (STI).

Symptoms

Many people, especially women, do not experience symptoms from gonorrhoea, however it may still be doing damage to your body. Usually only men experience symptoms, these include:

  • White or yellow discharge from the penis
  • Pain urinating
  • Pain in genital areas

Why you need to see a doctor if you have been at risk of Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea can permanently damage your reproductive system, with many bad outcomes including causing pelvic inflammatory disease in women and potentially preventing you from having children.

Prevention

Gonorrhoea can be in male and female sexual fluid.  Using condoms or dams and lubricant every time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex will reduce your risk of getting gonorrhoea.

Testing

If you have had sex without a condom, you may be at risk of gonorrhoea or other STIs.  You should go to a doctor to be tested.  The doctor may take a urine sample or use a cotton swab to sample an area which may be affected.

Treatment

Gonorrhoea can be cured with antibiotics.  It is important to get tested and treated as soon as possible, as antibiotics cannot cure any permanent damage that has been caused by the gonorrhoea.

For more information

Talk to your doctor or local health clinic.

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