SYMPTOMS OF GONORRHOEA Up to 50% of women may not experience any symptoms at all. However, those who do may notice the following: - A strong green or yellow discharge from the vagina, which has an unpleasant smell;
- Pain or tenderness in the lower abdominal area;
- A burning sensation during urination;
- Discharge or irritation from the anus.
About 90% of men may experience some or all of the following symptoms: - A white, yellow or green discharge from the tip of the penis;
- Inflammation of the testicles or prostate gland, leading to pain or irritation;
- Pain or burning sensation during urination;
- Irritation or discharge from the anus.
Symptoms usually occur between 1 and 14 days after infection. DIAGNOSIS OF GONORRHOEA Diagnosis can be carried out by your GP, or at a genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic. Some Family Planning Clinics also offer diagnosis. Treatment at a GUM is free and totally independent of your GP. A sample can be taken from the tip of the penis or the neck of the womb and sent for analysis. Alternatively, a urine sample can be taken and analysed using the Polymer Chain Reaction (PCR), which is one of the most accurate tests available at present. TREATMENT OF GONORRHOEA It is important to receive treatment for gonorrhoea as soon as possible otherwise it can lead to serious health problems, such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). It is also important for all sexual partners to be tested. Gonorrhoea is treated with a single dose of oral antibiotics or sometimes antibiotics by injection. If this does not clear the infection, you may be given another stronger antibiotic. A follow up appointment is needed around 72 hours after the first treatment to ensure that the antibiotic has been successful. Sexual intercourse and intimate contact should be avoided until it has been confirmed that the infection has cleared. Women who have gonorrhoea can have antibiotic treatment during pregnancy to prevent passing the infection on to their baby. Babies that show signs of infection at birth, such as inflammation of the eyes, or who are at increased risk of infection if the mother has been diagnosed, will be given antibiotics immediately after birth to prevent blindness and other complications. PREVENTION OF GONORRHOEA The most effective way to reduce the risk of a gonorrhoea infection is to use a barrier method of contraception, such as a condom. If used correctly, condoms are more than 99% effective in preventing sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s). |
