Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmissible infection (STI). It can cause infection of the urethra (the tube that connects the bladder to the outside of the body), anus, throat, cervix (the lower part of the womb) and less commonly, the eyes.
How did I get infected with gonorrhoea?
Gonorrhoea is transmitted by having anal, oral or vaginal sex without a condom with someone who is currently infected with gonorrhoea.
What are the symptoms of gonorrhoea?
You may have gonorrhoea and not have any symptoms. If you have symptoms, they may include:
- stinging or burning when passing urine
- discharge from the penis
- pain or tenderness of the testicles
- anal discharge and pain
- sore throat
- sore red eye(s)
- a change in vaginal discharge
- irregular bleeding and / or pain during sex
- bleeding after sex
How is gonorrhoea diagnosed?
To test for gonorrhoea, your health care provider will collect a urine sample or swab from your vagina, mouth or anus. You may be able to collect your own vaginal or anal swabs. Your sample will be sent to the laboratory for testing.
What is the treatment for gonorrhoea?
Gonorrhoea is usually treated with one antibiotic injection in the buttock together with oral antibiotic tablets. To prevent the spread of the infection or complications, it is important you are treated, even if you have no symptoms.
What can happen if gonorrhoea is not treated?
Gonorrhoea can spread to the sperm cord and testicles. Gonorrhoea may cause infection in the uterus and fallopian tubes known as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID can have serious effects including infertility, long-lasting pain and ectopic (tubal) pregnancy. If you are pregnant, gonorrhoea can cause complications for you and your baby. It is important to have treatment as soon as you know you have gonorrhoea. Untreated gonorrhoea can also cause joint infections, arthritis, permanent damage to your eye(s) and rarely meningitis and heart infections.
Do I need to tell my sexual partner(s)?
Yes. Anyone you have had oral, anal or vaginal sex with in the past 2 months (or since your last negative test) should get tested, and treatment if needed. This is important to prevent reinfection and reduce the spread of gonorrhoea.
How do I tell my sexual partner(s)?
Your clinician will discuss how to tell your partners with you (known as contact tracing or partner notification).
There are 3 main ways of telling your sexual partners:
- you can contact your partners yourself
- you can let your partners know anonymously via specific websites (see below)
- your clinical team can contact your partners without identifying you
You can choose to tell some partners yourself or by website and ask your clinical team to contact others.
When can I have sex again?
Wait for 7 days after you begin treatment, or until the course is completed and your symptoms have cleared up, whichever is later.
Do I need more tests after I have been treated?
Yes. You need repeat testing to check the treatment has worked and that you haven’t been re-infected. The time you need to wait before the repeat test depends on where in your body the infection is. Your healthcare provider will talk about this with you.
How do I avoid getting infected again?
- Make sure your current partner(s) are tested and treated.
- Use a condom or dams with new sexual partner(s).
- Have regular STI check-ups.
If you need more information or have any questions, please contact the Canberra Sexual Health Centre or talk to your GP.
Contact tracing websites:
- Let Them Know
- Notify a partner - Better to Know
- Diagnosed with an STI? Let your partners know - The Drama Downunder
Other resources:
- Gonorrhoea - STI Testing and Prevention - Stay STI Free (also in other languages)
- Gonorrhoea factsheet - long (youngdeadlyfree.org.au)