Gonorrhoea

What is it?
Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is caused by a type of bacteria, which loves to live in warm, moist areas of the body such as the vagina, cervix, urethra, rectum and the throat.

How is it spread?
Through having vaginal, anal or oral sex.

What are the symptoms?

Women:

* An increase of vaginal discharge which may be thin or watery, yellow or greenish
* Pain when urinating
* Itching or discharge from the anus
* A sore throat

Men:

* White or yellow discharge from the penis that may stain underpants
* Pain when urinating
* Itching or discharge from the anus
* A sore throat

How is it treated?
The STI clinic will carry out a few painless tests and give treatment. Early gonorrhoea can be cured with a course of antibiotics like penicillin. Your girlfriend/boyfriend should also be treated to avoid re-infection.