What is Gonorrhoea?
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This bacterium can infect the genital tract, urethra, rectum, throat and eyes. Transmission usually occurs through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sexual contact, and there can also be transmission from mother to baby during childbirth.
How infection happens and who is at risk
The infection is transmitted through bodily fluids such as semen and vaginal secretions, or intimate contact with infected mucous membranes. People with:
- Sexual intercourse without a condom
- Multiple partners or recent partners
- History of other STDs
- Protection failures (incorrect condom use)
- Asymptomatic partner, Gonorrhoea may have no visible symptoms
Even those without symptoms can transmit the infection.
Symptoms of Gonorrhoea
In women
- Abnormal vaginal discharge with a different smell or colour
- Pain or burning during urination
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Bleeding outside the menstrual period or after sexual intercourse
- In some cases, inflammation of the throat or anus if oral or anal sex takes place
In men
- Urethral discharge (discharge from the penis), usually white, yellowish or greenish
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Increased urinary frequency
- Pain or swelling in the testicles (less common)
- There can also be infection of the throat or rectum, depending on sexual practices
In newborns or babies
Gonorrhoea can affect the eyes or respiratory tract if the mother is infected during childbirth. Therefore, screening and treatment before birth are essential.
Complications if left untreated
Untreated gonorrhoea can have serious consequences:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease in women, with chronic pain, infertility or ectopic pregnancies
- Epididymitis in men, which can affect fertility
- Disseminated infections affecting joints, skin or other organs
- Increased risk of contracting or transmitting other infections, including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Vertical transmission (from mother to baby) with risk of neonatal infection
Diagnosis
To detect gonorrhoea, laboratory tests are required, usually through:
- Examination of secretions or urine (nucleic acid amplification test, NAAT)
- Urethral or vaginal secretion analysed in the laboratory
- Anal or throat examination if there is contact in these areas
Whenever there is a risk or symptoms, it is best to consult a doctor and have the appropriate tests carried out, even if there are no visible symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment with antibiotics
Gonorrhoea can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. Treatment should be carried out completely and simultaneously for the patient and, if possible, for all recent sexual partners to avoid re-infection.
After treatment
- Avoid sexual intercourse until a cure is confirmed
- Carry out a new control test on medical advice
- Notify recent partners for assessment and treatment
Prevention
To reduce the risk of Gonorrhoea:
- Use condoms correctly in all sexual relations (vaginal, anal or oral)
- Get regular STD screening if you have multiple partners or occasional relationships
- Avoid intimate contact with people whose sexual health history is unknown
- Getting used to routine examinations as part of sexual health care
When to take the test?
You should be tested for Gonorrhoea if:
- Had unprotected sex
- You have multiple or new partners
- Symptoms such as discharge, burning during urination, pelvic pain or urethral discharge appear
- You're pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- You had a risky exposure (infected partner, new partner, failed condom)
Conclusion
Gonorrhoea is a common, treatable and preventable infection. The key is prevention, screening and early treatment, even in the absence of symptoms. Protecting your sexual health and that of others is an act of responsibility. If you think you've been exposed to risk or have symptoms, make an appointment.
