Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria. It can infect the throat, vagina, lining of the penis, rectum or eye. It is passed easily from one person to another through sexual contact.

About gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is one of the most common STIs in the UK.

Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) who have sex with more partners, are at increased risk of contracting it.

Untreated gonorrhoea infection can cause serious problems including infections in the testicles and eyes.

Symptoms of gonorrhoea

Not everyone gets symptoms of gonorrhoea. So it's important to get tested if you think you might have it.

If you do get symptoms, they usually start around two weeks after infection, although they sometimes do not appear until many months later.

Symptoms in women

Gonorrhoea can cause symptoms in women.

These symptoms can affect anyone with a vagina:

a yellow or greenish discharge from your vagina
burning pain when you pee
pain in your lower abdomen
bleeding between your periods (this is rare)

Symptoms in men

Gonorrhoea can cause symptoms in men.

These symptoms can affect anyone with a penis:

burning pain when you pee
fluid or discharge coming out of your penis
sore testicles

Gonorrhoea in the anus, throat or eyes

Gonorrhoea can affect other parts of your body that come into contact with semen or vaginal fluid.

This can cause:

pain, itching and discharge from your anus (bottom)
a sore throat
eye redness, pain and discharge

Complications of gonorrhoea

If gonorrhoea is not treated, it can cause serious problems including:

eye infection (gonococcal conjunctivitis) if you touch your eyes after touching infected fluid from your penis or vagina
an infection of the womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries (pelvic inflammatory disease), which can lead to infertility if not treated
infection in the testicles or prostate (prostatitis)

The sooner you get treatment with antibiotics, the easier these complications are to treat.

Protection against gonorrhoea

Use condoms to avoid getting gonorrhoea and spreading it to others.

Get tested

If you are sexually active and are unsure about your partner’s sexual history, or if you have been exposed to someone diagnosed as infected, you should get tested.

STI testing is free in Northern Ireland.

If you are 16 years or older, and have no symptoms, you can order tests online.

If you have symptoms, you should get tested at a sexual health (GUM)clinic.

Further advice on STI testing is available at:

Getting tested

Get vaccinated

A vaccination programme is available for those most at risk of infection.

Find out more at:

Gonorrhoea vaccine

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