Bacteria

Gonorrhoea • Chlamydia • Syphilis • Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV) • Gut infections

Gonorrhoea

Important Note: Sydney is currently experiencing a gonorrhoea epidemic.

Description

Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection that lives in the mucus lining of the dick, arse, throat or eyes.

Transmission

It can be transmitted through giving or receiving oral sex, anal sex and arse play such as fingering or fisting. Touching an infected person’s dick or arse and then touching your own dick, arse or eyes can also transmit gonorrhoea.

Signs and Symptoms

If symptoms are present they will usually develop within 2 to 10 days. Many people who have gonorrhoea will show no symptoms, particularly if they have it in the throat or the arse. If the infection is in the arse, the symptoms may include a discharge or pain during bowel movements. If it is in the dick, there may be a clear or yellow discharge from the dick and the there may be stinging or pain when pissing.

Testing

Gonorrhoea can be detected by a urethral swab or urine test as well as swabs collected from the arse or throat. It is preferable not to piss for at least one hour prior to having a urine test.

Treatment

Gonorrhoea is easily cured with antibiotics. Sexual contact should be avoided for at least one week to ensure the infection has cleared after treatment.

If You’re HIV Positive

If diagnosed early, gonorrhoea is easily treatable but if left untreated it can increase the risk of HIV being passed-on.

Prevention

Using condoms is not completely safe for gonorrhoea but provides the best protection. Washing your hands with soap and water immediately after sex can also help prevent transmission, especially if having sex with multiple partners.

View example (Warning: graphic images)

This page last updated 23 July 2008