Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. It can affect both men and women of any age, but it is more common among young people aged 15 to 24 years old who are sexually active. While some people may not experience any symptoms, it’s important to know what they are so you can get tested and treated if necessary. In this article, we’ll cover the symptoms of gonorrhoea, its causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Testing for gonorrhoea
If you think you have been exposed to gonorrhoea, getting tested is important. Your healthcare provider can perform multiple tests based on your symptoms and sexual history. The following are some common tests for gonorrhoea:
- Urine Sample: A urine sample is taken to test for the presence of bacteria in the urinary tract
- Swab Test: During a physical examination, your healthcare provider may take a swab from any affected areas, such as the throat, rectum, or genitals
- Cervical Swab: This type of swab can be used to detect the presence of gonorrhoea on a woman’s cervix
If you test positive for gonorrhoea, it’s important to let your sexual partner know so they can also get tested and treated if necessary.
Symptoms of gonorrhoea
The following are some common symptoms of gonorrhoea:
• Genital Symptoms:
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina (may be yellow, green, or white)
- Swelling in the testicles or labia (vaginal lips)
- Painful intercourse
• Anal Symptoms:
- Itching, soreness, and/or bleeding around the rectum
- Discharge from the rectum
- Anal itching or soreness
• Oral Symptoms:
- Sore throat or difficulty swallowing
- Swollen tonsils or lymph nodes
- White, yellow, or green discharge from the throat
It’s important to note that some people may not experience any symptoms. If left untreated, gonorrhoea can lead to serious health complications.
Gonorrhoea treatment
Gonorrhoea can be treated with antibiotics, usually either a single dose or a series of doses over several days. It’s important to finish all doses of the medication, even if you feel better after taking the first dose.
Common medications used for gonorrhoea treatment include:
- Ceftriaxone
- Cefixime
- Azithromycin
Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about any potential side effects that could occur with these medications.
It’s also important to avoid sexual contact or use protection while being treated for gonorrhoea, as it is still possible to transmit the infection even if you are taking antibiotics.
Prevention
The best way to prevent gonorrhoea is to get tested regularly and use condoms if you are sexually active. Additionally, abstaining from any form of sexual contact is the only guaranteed way to avoid getting an STD. If you have multiple partners, it’s also important to get tested between partners.
It’s also important to practise safe sex by:
- Using condoms and water-based lubricants during intercourse
- Avoiding rough, dry sex or sharing sex toys
- Getting tested for STDs regularly if you are sexually active
- Limiting the number of sexual partners you have
- Asking your partner about their sexual history and getting tested together before having unprotected sex.
If left untreated, gonorrhoea can lead to serious health complications, so it is important to get tested if you think you may be at risk. With proper diagnosis and treatment, gonorrhoea can be cured.
Conclusion
Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection that can have serious health consequences if left untreated. If you think you may have been exposed to gonorrhoea, it’s important to get tested and treated as soon as possible. Your healthcare provider can help diagnose and provide treatment options for gonorrhoea. Additionally, it’s important to practise safe sex and limit the number of sexual partners to reduce your risk of getting or spreading an STD. With proper prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, gonorrhoea can be cured.
FAQs related to gonorrhoea
1. What causes STD gonorrhoea?
Gonorrhoea is caused by a bacterial infection that is spread through sexual contact with an infected individual.
2. What does gonorrhoea look like in a woman?
Gonorrhoea symptoms can vary from person to person, but in women, they may include burning or pain during urination, unusual discharge from the vagina (may be yellow, green, or white), swelling in the labia (vaginal lips), and painful intercourse.
3. How long does gonorrhoea last?
Gonorrhoea can be cured with antibiotics, usually with a single dose or multiple doses over several days. It’s important to finish all doses of the medication, even if you feel better after taking the first dose.
4. Is gonorrhoea curable?
Yes, gonorrhoea can be cured with antibiotics. However, it’s important to finish the entire course of treatment and avoid sexual contact or use protection while being treated for gonorrhoea to reduce the risk of transmission.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Book a consultation with Ova Singapore’s medical team to learn more about reproductive healthcare treatments here.