Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection , caused by a bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This infection is often called ‘the clap’ (from a French word clapoir meaning ‘sexual sore’).

Like other sexually transmitted infections, it is especially common in young people, although you can catch it at any age. In 2004, there were over 22,000 cases diagnosed in clinics in the United Kingdom. The true number of cases is probably much higher, because gonorrhoea often has no symptoms(especially in women), so therefore many people who have it may not attend a clinic.

How gonorrhoea is transmitted

You catch a genital gonorrhoea infection by having sex with someone who has the infection. Therefore it is very important to use condoms with a new partner. Also, you can catch a gonorrhoea throat infection from oral sex.

How do I know if I have gonorrhoea?

Men with gonorrhoea usually develop a discharge from the urethra (‘pee hole’) and pain when passing urine. These symptoms start about 3–10 days after catching the infection. However, some men may have no symptoms so they do not know they have the infection.

In 7 out of 10 women, gonorrhoea causes no symptoms at all. Some women develop vague symptoms, such as an increase in vaginal discharge.

What to do if you think you might have gonorrhoea

If you have a symptom, such as a discharge, or if think you might be at risk of having an infection, you need a check-up at a genitourinary medicine clinic. People with gonorrhoea often have another infection as well (such as trichomonas), and a genitourinary medicine clinic will give you a general check-up for genital infection as well as testing for gonorrhoea.

Treatment for gonorrhoea

If the clinic finds that you have gonorrhoea, you will be prescribed a special antibiotic. In many countries gonorrhoea does not respond to common antibiotics. (This is called ‘resistance’.) Therefore the clinic will send your samples to the laboratory to ensure that the antibiotic you are given is the correct one. You will need check-ups afterwards to make sure the infection has gone. You must not have sex with anyone (not even with a condom) until the clinic gives you the all-clear. Your partner(s) will also need to be tested.

Is gonorrhoea dangerous?

If it is not treated, gonorrhoea can spread to other parts of the body. In women, it can travel upwards to the Fallopian tubes. These are the tubes that transport eggs from the ovary to the uterus. If the Fallopian tubes are damaged by an infection such as gonorrhoea, the woman may have difficulty conceiving a baby. Infection in the Fallopian tubes can cause pain in the lower abdomen (especially during sex), or may not cause any symptoms. In men, gonorrhoea can spread to the tubing around the testicle and to the prostate gland. Gonorrhoea can also spread through the bloodstream to the joints, causing a painful arthritis.

Written by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Edited by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Last updated: Friday, February 12th 2010

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Comments on this article

Posted by ironman on 12/02/2010 at 12:10:00 pm

this is so helpful,

Posted by anonymous on 17/10/2009 at 02:15:00 am

I started having discharge that was white and thick like cottage cheese and odoury..then suddenly it switched to this yellowish non odourless colour. I'm on anti depressants and some other pill for my mood so could that be messing around with my discharge colour? Help me please.

Posted by anon on 29/04/2009 at 09:45:00 pm

been while my boyfriend a while and have noticed my discharge has suddenly gotten smelly and gone a funny colour, i haven't cheated and im 100% sure my boyfriend hasnt either. Help!!!

Posted by Anonymous on 09/01/2009 at 11:57:00 am

i have smelly discharge and white stains in my knickers

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