Gonorrhoea Konoria
Gonorrhoea is a common bacterial infection passed on by having sex. It is easy to catch and easy to treat. You may not have any symptoms so if you are sexually active, it is a good idea to get tested.
How you get gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is passed on during oral, vaginal or anal sexual contact, or sharing of sex toys. Penetration (full sex) does not need to happen to spread the infection. It can also be passed from pregnant people to their babies during childbirth.
Symptoms of gonorrhoea
If you have gonorrhoea you may not have any symptoms.
People with a vagina may have:
- vaginal discharge
- pain when they wee
- pain during sex
- unusual vaginal bleeding
- lower abdominal pain.
People with a penis may have:
- a discharge from their penis
- pain when they wee
- pain in their testicles.
Gonorrhoea can also cause anal bleeding or discharge if you have had anal sex.
If left untreated, gonorrhoea can cause infertility (not being able to have babies).
Diagnosing gonorrhoea
You can be tested for gonorrhoea with a simple swab or urine test. You may be able to take the swab yourself.
Even if you feel embarrassed, it is better to get a simple check than to have untreated gonorrhoea.
Treating gonorrhoea
Treatment is usually an injection and some tablets. A single dose of the right treatment usually cures gonorrhoea. Your sexual partner will need to be treated at the same time.
Untreated gonorrhoea can cause more serious problems. It can also be passed on to your pēpi (baby) during pregnancy.
Preventing gonorrhoea
You should avoid sex or use condoms until a week after you and your partner have been treated.
Using a condom every time you have sex is the best way to protect yourself from getting or passing on gonorrhoea.
This content was written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. It has been adapted for Health Information and Services.