Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which primarily infects the mucous membranes of the reproductive tract but can also affect the throat, rectum, and eyes. It spreads through vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact with an infected partner, and while it commonly causes noticeable genital discharge and discomfort, a significant proportion of infections, particularly in women, produce no symptoms at all, allowing the infection to spread unknowingly and potentially cause serious complications. If left untreated, gonorrhoea can ascend into the upper reproductive tract, causing pelvic inflammatory disease in women and epididymitis in men, both of which can lead to infertility. Growing antibiotic resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae has made accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment increasingly important from a public health perspective.

The most common symptoms include: abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina; painful or burning sensation during urination; pelvic or lower abdominal pain in women; testicular pain or swelling in men. Early recognition is key to prompt diagnosis and effective treatment.

Yes, Gonorrhoea is contagious. It can spread from person to person. Practice good hygiene, avoid close contact with infected individuals, and follow isolation guidelines if advised by a doctor.

Treatment options include: Gonorrhoea is treated with antibiotics; typically an injectable antibiotic given as a single dose; chosen carefully due to increasing rates of antibiotic resistance in the bacterium. It is important to complete the full prescribed treatment and to avoid sexual activity until treatment is finished and symptoms have resolved to prevent further transmission. Sexual partners should also be tested and treated simultaneously. Treatment should always be guided by a qualified Venereology & Sexual Health specialist. Do not self-medicate.

While Gonorrhoea cannot always be fully prevented, several measures can reduce risk: using condoms consistently and correctly during all sexual activity; limiting the number of sexual partners; regular STI screening for sexually active individuals especially with new or multiple partners.

Consult a Venereology & Sexual Health specialist if symptoms persist for more than a few days, worsen despite home care, or significantly affect your daily activities. Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes.