Gonorrhea is an infection caused by bacteria that live in the urethra in men or in the vagina in women, as well as in the throat or rectum.
Symptoms
In men, symptoms of Gonorrhea can be:
·Drops of white or green liquid on the end of the penis
(a discharge)
· Pain when passing urine (pissing)
· Itching in the anus or rectum.
However, many men who have gonorrhea do not have any symptoms.
How it is transmitted
You can get Gonorrhea by having sex with someone who already has it. It is most easily passed on through penetrative anal and vaginal intercourse without a condom, although it can also be transmitted on fingers from one person’s penis or vagina to the other person’s.
What can you do if you think you have Gonorrhea?
If you think you have Gonorrhea, you can go to your local sexual health clinic (there are department of health-run clinics in all boroughs). You can also visit your primary care provider.
Testing
The clinic will test you for Gonorrhea by taking a small sample with cotton swab, usually from the tip of the penis. It may also be taken from the throat or the rectum.
Having a swab taken is not painful, although it may be uncomfortable and embarrassing for some. These samples are then tested for Gonorrhea.
Treatment
It is usually easy to get rid of Gonorrhea with antibiotics.
Your doctor may ask you to return later to check that the
infection has totally cleared up.
Why get treated?
It is important to get rid of Gonorrhea because if it stays in your body, it can lead to serious health problems, including: Inflammation of the testicles (balls) which can cause infertility.
Protect yourself and others
If you have Gonorrhea, it is best to tell your partner (male
or female) or anyone else you have had sex with recently so that
they can get a checkup.
Remember that until the Gonorrhea is
treated, and you have taken all the antibiotics, you can still
infect anyone you have sex with.
Using a condom can help protect against getting Gonorrhea.
Remember also that using a condom will help protect you against getting or passing on other STDs.