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Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea conditions, Symptoms and Treatment in London

Gonorrhoea is a very common sexually transmitted infection in the UK. Some people who have this infection might be asymptomatic, especially in women or people assigned female at birth (AFAB). The symptoms of Gonorrhoea differ between men and women. If you think you might have come in contact with possible exposure, contact your healthcare practitioner to get treated. Your healthcare practitioner might administer antibiotics to prevent health complications or long-term problems.

Gonorrhoea, which is also called "drip" or "the clap", is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This infection can be transferred between partners of any age who are sexually active. Newborns are not excluded from this STI as the infection can be passed on from the mother to the baby during childbirth.

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Some facts about Gonorrhoea

This sexually transmitted infection is commonly spread through sexual contact with semen or vaginal fluids. If you engage in sexual intercourse of any kind, including anal, vaginal, oral or share toys with an infected person, you are at high risk of getting infected. You should reach out to a healthcare professional to get tested.

Due to the asymptomatic nature of this infection, people are likely to spread it unknowingly to their partners. If you are sexually active, making use of protection and regular testing can protect you from contracting this infection.

The majority of gonorrhoea infections occur in people between the age of 15 – 24. If you believe you have Gonorrhoea, don't wait to notice symptoms before you seek the help of your medical practitioner.

What are some common symptoms to look out for?

If you have this infection, you may not notice any symptoms. Asymptomatic cases of Gonorrhoea are common in females. If you have symptoms, they will differ based on your genitals (vagina or penis).

Symptoms in women or people assigned female at birth (AFAB)

Over half of the people assigned female at birth will show mild to no symptoms. This makes it more difficult to know if you are infected and pass it on unknowingly to other sexual partners. It is essential to get tested and know your status to protect you and your partners and ensure good sexual health.

You may notice the following if you are infected:

  • Pain in your pelvis and lower abdomen
  • Painful urination
  • Unusual white or yellow vaginal discharge,
  • Bleeding between periods
  • Pain while having sex

Symptoms in men or people assigned male at birth (AMAB)

People who are assigned male at birth are more likely to have symptoms. There are still chances that you've been asymptomatic for the initial time of the infection, which means you may infect other sexual partners unknowingly.

You may notice the following if you are infected:

  • Burning sensation when urinating
  • White, green or yellow penile discharge
  • Swollen testicles
  • Pain in your testicles

Gonorrhoea symptoms common to both genders

Both males and females can get Gonorrhoea in their rectum and throat either through anal or oral sex. These types of infections aren't as common as infections around your genitals.

Some common symptoms include:

  • Anus: You may notice discharge, pain or itching when you try to poop.
  • Throat: You may have trouble swallowing, itchy sensation, or sore throat

How long before I notice symptoms of this infection?

Gonorrhoea is asymptomatic in some people, so you may notice mild to no symptoms. Others might start showing symptoms after several weeks of potential exposure to the infection. People may start showing symptoms 14 days after possible exposure.

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What causes this infection?

This infection is caused when the bacteria, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is introduced into the body through anal, oral or vaginal sexual contact or sexual fluids like vaginal and semen fluid. The bacteria may enter the body through the anus, penis, mouth or vagina. Even without ejaculating, you can still spread this infection to your partner. Sharing sex toys that aren't covered or washed after use can also be a medium to transfer this bacterial infection.

If you have close genital-genital contact with a partner without any form of penetration, you might be at risk of getting this infection if your partner is infected. Unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex with an infected partner also puts you at risk of getting infected. Females experience the infection more commonly in their cervix, while males experience this infection more commonly in their urethra.

What activity does not put me at risk of getting this STI?

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection that spreads from one person to another during sexual activities. Not every fluid exchange or act of intimacy may give you this bacterial infection.

Here are some things that won't get you infected:

  • Using the same toilet right after an infected person
  • Hugging, kissing or holding hands
  • Inhaling droplets of someone sneezing or coughing
  • Sharing drinks, food or cutlery

What are some risk factors associated with Gonorrhoea?

If you fall under the following categories, you are at higher risk of getting this bacterial infection. If you are:

  • Have been infected with STI in the past
  • Are a man who has sex with men
  • Don't use protection like dental dams and condoms when you engage in sexual activities.
  • Are under the age 25
  • Having more than one sexual partner
  • Practise other risky sexual behaviours

What risk do I stand if I don't seek treatment?

Gonorrhoea can lead to severe complications if left untreated, and this is why you are strongly advised to seek the help of a medical professional as soon as you notice any symptoms related to this bacterial infection. Also, if you feel you might have been in contact with potential exposure, you should seek the help of a healthcare professional.

Gonorrhoea can cause inflammation of the liver, painful and swollen joints, brain damage and heart valve. You may also notice other complications, which might differ based on the individual's reproductive anatomy.

Complications common to women or AFAB people assigned female at birth

If Gonorrhoea is left untreated, women may notice one of the following:

  • Blindness: this infection can cause eye problems if the infection is passed on from mothers to infants during childbirth
  • Reproductive organ complications: this infection can cause PID (pelvic inflammatory infections), leading to ectopic pregnancy and infertility. The infection can also spread to the fallopian tubes and uterus.

Complications common to men or AMAB people assigned male at birth

You may notice the following in men if you don't get treated.

  • Scars in your urethra
  • Infertility
  • Inflammation and prostate pain
  • Testicle inflammation

How can I be diagnosed?

Even if you have symptoms similar to Gonorrhoea or think you might have been exposed to this infection, visiting your healthcare professional is the only way to be certain. You will be asked about your sexual history and if you are experiencing any symptoms. A sample collection will be done with either urine or bodily fluid to check for the presence of Gonorrhoea.

Your provider may do one of the following:

  • Take a fluid sample from your penis
  • Take a urine sample
  • Take a throat swab or rectal swab to collect fluid
  • A pelvic exam to collect cervical fluid

After your discussion with your healthcare practitioner, they will decide the most suitable test and the type of fluid sample to collect. You may also be tested for other common STIs like chlamydia as they often occur alongside.

How can I treat Gonorrhoea?

This bacterial infection is commonly treated with the use of antibiotics. If you test possible for this bacteria, you should inform your partner also to get tested as they are at risk of infection. Common antibiotics used in this treatment include ceftriaxone, gentamicin or azithromycin. Ceftriaxone is taken in a single injection shot; the dosage depends on your weight. If you are allergic to this medication, then gentamicin and azithromycin might be prescribed to be taken by mouth. If you test positive for another STI like chlamydia, additional medication like doxycycline can clear this infection.

Ask your healthcare professional what the treatment can't and can do. This treatment:

  • It won't fix any damage the infection might have caused before treatment
  • Protect you against reinfection

After your treatment, ask your healthcare practitioner about preventive steps you can take to avoid recurrence.

What is the duration of the treatment?

Gonorrhea infection clears up within one to two weeks after antibiotic treatment. You might need to take a second test to be sure the gonorrhoea infection is completely gone. During the first 7 days, avoid any sexual contact with your partner to prevent spreading the bacteria.

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Can this infection be cured?

Yes, it can. Early detection of this infection, alongside proper treatment, can cure Gonorrhoea. Follow the medication instructions given to you by your healthcare professional even if the symptoms clear out to get the best result. This bacterial infection is beginning to build resistance to antibiotics, which is called super Gonorrhoea. Your healthcare practitioner would provide an alternative treatment if you experience this.

Preventing this infection is very important, and if you get infected, adhere strictly to your medical provider's instructions.

How can I prevent getting this bacterial infection?

The best way to prevent this infection is by abstaining from sex. This might be difficult for a lot of people, so you can do the following to reduce your risk of contracting this infection:

  • Avoid having sex with people who have Gonorrhoea
  • Always make use of dental dams and condoms
  • You and your partner should get regular testing for Gonorrhoea
  • Don't have sex with someone who has symptoms of an STI
  • Have sex with just one partner or reduce your sexual partners and have open conversations with your sexual partner about your sexual activity.

Sexually active people have no complete prevention against Gonorrhoea. Practising safe sex can protect you against this infection, but condoms can tear. However, taking the above steps can significantly reduce your chances of infection.

How often should I get tested?

Sexually active females below 25 are advised to get tested yearly. How often you get tested depends on the risk factors you are exposed to. If your sexual activity and age puts you at high risk of this infection, yearly testing is advised. People in committed relationships with one sexual partner won't need to get tested as often. However, you can speak to your healthcare practitioner about how often you can get tested with regard to your risk factors.

What should I expect if I have Gonorrhoea?

Begin treatment and follow the instructions provided to you by your medical practitioner. You should be able to resume your usual life within a week or two after diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital, as failure to do this can lead to severe health complications. Ask your medical practitioner about steps you can take to prevent the recurrence of this infection and avoid transmitting it to others.

Practising safe sex goes a long way to prevent this infection. Make use of condoms and dental dams and get tested regularly to have good sexual health.

What risk do I stand if I get Gonorrhoea during my pregnancy?

Your health and that of the baby are very important, so you shouldn't hesitate to speak to your healthcare professional if you notice symptoms of Gonorrhoea or feel you might have been exposed to this infection. The infection can be passed on to the baby during birth and cause health complications like blindness and low birth weight.

With the help of your medical practitioner and proper treatment, you can avoid any health complications caused by this infection and protect yourself and your baby.

Is it okay to have sex after treatment for Gonorrhoea?

Your medical practitioner will let you know when it is safe to resume sexual activities. It is usually advised to stay away from sex for at least a week so as not to transmit the infection to your partner.

What questions should be asked at my visit to the medical professional?

You should ask the following if you have Gonorrhoea:

  • How can I be certain if my infection has been cured?
  • Would you recommend that I get tested for chlamydia?
  • Is it possible to have spread this infection unknowingly?
  • Can I tell if my reproductive organs have been destroyed as a result of this infection?
  • How can I prevent myself from reinfection?
  • How can I inform my partner that they may be infected and should get tested?

Frequently Asked Questions

This is very likely for a couple of reasons. You might show symptoms of this infection, while your partner might be infected unknowingly but be asymptomatic. Also, they could have it as a reinfection, meaning they weren't entirely cured in the past. You and your partner should get tested and seek treatment from your healthcare professional.

You may have mild to no symptoms if you have Gonorrhoea, especially in women. You can go weeks or months without knowing you have this infection. Get regular STI testing.

Get tested today!

If you are in London or surrounding areas and want to ensure good sexual health, kindly book an appointment with us at STI Clinic UK to get tested for Gonorrhoea. Our professional medical practitioners will ensure you are given the needed care and advise you on a suitable treatment option if necessary.