Gonorhoea Symptoms, Gonorrhoea Testing & Screening

What is it

Another highly contagious infection, Gonorrhoea can be spread by vaginal, oral, or anal contact. If you get the disease, there is an increased risk of getting other STDs, including HIV. Gonorrhoea is one of the fastest growing STDs in the UK and like Chlamydia, may present no symptoms. It can be a major cause of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and infertility in women. In men, it can cause inflammation of the testicles and prostate.

How can I get it?

Any sexual activity with someone who has Gonorrhoea may lead to infection. Gonorrhoea can live in the genital tract of both men and women as well as the testes, penis and semen of males and the vagina of females. It can also live in the throat and the rectum, so sex involving any of these areas may spread Gonorrhoea.

How do I know if I have it?

Gonorrhea symptoms are typically mild or non-existent. When there are symptoms of Gonorrhoea, they will usually start between 5 and 30 days after contact and differ slightly between men and women. Gonorrhoea symptoms may include:

  • Burning sensation when urinating for both men and women
  • for women, yellowish discharge from the vagina, vaginal bleeding and/or painful bowel movements from the penis.
  • For men, painful or swollen testicles and/or a sore throat.

Gonorrhoea testing ~ Testing for gonorrhoea

Testing for Gonorrhoea at Better2Know is fast, easy and painless. Our clinics take a urine sample to test for Gonorrhoea in the vagina or penis and painless swabs from the throat or anus, if required. Results are typically available within 3 days or less. You can be tested for Gonorrhoea at any Better2Know clinic around the UK. Please do not urinate for 3 hours prior to getting tested.

You can also now get a Home Testing Kit for Gonorrhoea, visit our Home STD Testing website for more details.

Treating Gonorrhoea

Fortunately, Gonorrhea is curable and can be treated with a course of antibiotics if detected. You can receive a prescription from any of the Better2Know clinics around the UK.

Other Consequences

Gonorrhoea is one of the most important preventable causes of infertility. Moreover, most women infected with Gonorrhea have no symptoms. If left untreated, Gonorrhea can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID can lead to infertility and potentially fatal tubal (ectopic) pregnancy.

Women who have Gonorrhea during pregnancy tend to have higher rates of miscarriage, infection of the amniotic sac and fluid, preterm birth, and Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM). Mothers can transmit Gonorrhoea to their unborn child during pregnancy or labour. Newborn infants can develop Gonorrhoea most commonly in the eyes and may eventually go blind if left untreated. Men with a history of Gonorrhoea are more likely to develop prostate cancer.

Call Now to Book Your Appointment

0844 561 0750

Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or click here to request a callback.

Ask Dr. Jessen

Have a question? Why not visit our forum and ask it there.