Gonorrhoea

What is it?

• Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection
• Gonorrhoea mainly affects young people aged 15-24 years old, 1% of the sexually active population in Australia has this STI

How do I get it?

• Gonorrhoea is passed on via unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex

How do I know if I have it?

• Symptoms for women can include; cramps, lower abdominal pain, change in vaginal discharge, pain when passing urine, pain or bleeding from the vagina between periods and after having sex, some women may not have any symptoms at all
• Symptoms for men may include; yellow discharge/ pus from the penis, pain and a burning sensation when passing urine, swollen sore balls
•  You may not know you have gonorrhoea as sometimes there are NO SYMPTOMS! and in some cases, the symptoms for gonorrhoea may go away without treatment. This DOES NOT mean you have been cured, you still need a sexual health check and treatment!

What do I do if I suspect I may have it?

• Visit your local sexual health clinic or GP for a sexual health check
• Testing is easy, just a urine sample or a swab
• If you do have gonorrhoea, it can be treated with antibiotics

If you suspect that you have gonorrhoea, it is important for you and your partner to get treatment. If left undiagnosed and untreated, gonorrhoea can lead to further infection, infertility and problems with eyes, (blindness), heart, nervous system and joints. Like all STI’s it can also be passed onto babies during pregnancy.  More information about gonorrhoea...

 How can I protect myself?

Use condoms EVERY TIME you engage in sexual activity!