Who is at Risk?

Anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhoea, but the risk is higher if:

• You have sex without using condoms.
• You have multiple sexual partners.
• You’ve had other STIs in the past.
• You are a young adult (under 25).
• You or your partner have not been tested.

Signs and Symptoms

In Men:

• Painful urination (burning or stinging).
• White, yellow, or green discharge from the penis.
• Pain or swelling in one testicle.

In Women:

• Pain when urinating.
• Increased vaginal discharge.
• Vaginal bleeding between periods or after sex.
• Lower abdominal or pelvic pain.

Other Areas Affected:

• Rectum: Anal itching, discharge, or bleeding.
• Throat: Sore throat or swollen neck glands.
• Eyes: Red, painful eyes with pus discharge.
• Joints: Swollen, warm joints that hurt when moved (septic arthritis).

⚠️Note: Many people, especially women, may have no symptoms at all. Regular testing is important.

When to Seek Medical Help

See a healthcare provider if:

• You or your partner have symptoms listed above.
• You’ve had unprotected sex or multiple partners.
• You are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.
• Your eyes become red, painful, or sticky.
• You have painful or swollen joints, or unexplained rash.
• You suspect exposure to gonorrhoea.

How is Gonorrhoea Diagnosed?

Doctors may:

• Take a urine sample.
• Use a swab to collect fluid from the penis, cervix, throat, rectum, or eyes.
• Ask questions about your sexual history and symptoms.

Test results are often available within a few days.

Treatment

Gonorrhoea is curable with antibiotics. Contact your medical doctor for the correct prescription of antibiotics.

✅ Both you and your partner(s) must be treated, even if there are no symptoms.

❌ Do not have sex until the full course of treatment is completed, and symptoms have gone away.

Self-Care Tips

• Take all the medications exactly as prescribed.
• Drink plenty of clean water.
• Avoid sex until cleared by your doctor.
• Return to the clinic for follow-up tests if asked.

Prevention

• Always use condoms (male or female) during sex.
• Use dental dams for oral sex.
• Avoid multiple sexual partners.
• Get regular STI screenings at your local clinic.
• Avoid sex with anyone showing signs of STIs.
• If you are pregnant, get tested to protect your baby.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Untreated gonorrhoea can lead to:

• Infertility in both men and women.
• Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb) or miscarriage.
• Blindness in newborns.
• Long-term pelvic or abdominal pain.
• Increased risk of HIV transmission.

Key Takeaway

Gonorrhoea is common but treatable. Safe sex, regular testing, and early treatment protect your health and your partner’s health.