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Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI), also known as 'the clap'. It's serious because if not treated early it can lead to some very serious health problems.

The good news is it's easily treated with antibiotics.

Signs and symptoms
Most people experience symptoms if they have Gonorrhoea. But these symptoms are far more noticeable in boys than girls.

Girls
A change in normal vaginal discharge. This may increase, change to a yellow or greenish colour and develop a strong smell.
A pain or burning sensation when going for a pee.
Irritation and/or discharge from the anus.
Pain during sex.

Boys
A yellow or green discharge from the penis.
Irritation and/or discharge from the anus.
Inflammation of the testicles and prostate gland.

How do you get it?
By penetrative sex (when the penis enters the vagina or anus), oral sex (from mouth to the genitals) or mutual masturbation or wanking.

And less often by:
Rimming (where a person uses their mouth and tongue to stimulate another person's anus).
Inserting your fingers into an infected vagina, anus or mouth and then putting them into your own without washing your hands in between.
Mother to child transmission at birth.

Testing and treatment
You can be tested for Gonorrhoea and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at your local sexual health (GUM) clinic.
A doctor or a nurse will carry out an examination of your genital area.
Samples are taken, using a cotton-wool or spongy swab, from any places which may be infected — the cervix, urethra, anus or throat.
Girls are given an internal pelvic examination.
A sample of urine (pee) may be taken.
A course of antibiotics can be taken to treat Gonorrhoea.

Long-term effects
If left untreated in girls, Gonorrhoea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. In boys, it can cause a serious infection in the testicles.

In rare cases it can get into the bloodstream and cause heart, skin and joint infections.