Also known as "clap" or "a dose", gonorrhoea is an infection caused by a bacterium, Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
How is it transmitted?
This infection is very easy to pass on -any combination of oral, genital and anal sexual activities can transmit the germ. It cannot be caught through social contact such as kissing or touching or from towels (or that good old favourite, the toilet seat!). What parts of the body are affected? The bacteria live in warm, moist places inside the body - this includes the urethra (water pipe), the throat and the rectum.
What are the symptoms?
This depends on the part of the body affected. Most men with throat or rectal infection will have no symptoms, although occasionally the latter can produce irritation, discharge and pain in the anal area. Gonorrhoea affecting the urethra usually (but not always) results in a discharge (clear or yellow) from the penis or pain on passing urine. If symptoms occur, this is commonly between 2 and 12 days after coming into contact with the infection. How is gonorrhoea diagnosed? Specimens can be gently taken from any parts of your body where you may have been at risk of infection. For the test from the urethra, it's best if you have not passed urine for a minimum of two hours, as this lowers the chance of diagnosing the infection accurately. The specimens will be examined under the microscope while you are at the project and are also sent to the laboratory for further tests.
What is the treatment?
Gonorrhoea is usually very easily treated by antibiotic tablets. It is most important that you do not have sex until you have been back for follow-up tests. This is necessary for two reasons - sometimes the infection is resistant to the antibiotic given and a second drug has to be given. Also, the tests may also show another infection - gonorrhoea is often the first to show itself, and may mask others. What about my partner? As gonorrhoea is so easily passed on from one person to another it's usually best if you discuss things with your recent partners. Before you tell your partners, be sure that you yourself are clear about the facts and feel confident. Reassure him that it is quite likely that they may not be noticing any symptoms, but could still be carrying the infection. The health adviser at The Steve Retson Project can help prepare you for telling your partners.