Embarrassing Illnesses

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae or gonococcus. It used to be known as 'the clap'.

The bacteria are found mainly in discharge from the penis and vaginal fluid from infected men and women. Gonorrhoea is easily passed between people through:

• unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex, and
• sharing vibrators or other sex aids, that have not been washed or covered with a new condom each time they are used.

It can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby.

Typical symptoms are an unusual discharge from the vagina or penis and pain when urinating.

How common is it?

Gonorrhoea is a less common STI in the UK than chlamydia, genital warts or genital herpes, but over 16,500 new cases of gonorrhoea were reported in 2008. Young men and women aged 16-24 are the most affected: in 2008, they accounted for 47% of new gonorrhoea diagnoses.

Who is at risk?

Anyone who is sexually active can contract gonorrhoea, especially people who change partners frequently or do not use a barrier method of contraception, such as a condom, when having sexual intercourse.

Previous successful treatment for gonorrhoea does not make you immune from catching the infection again.

Outlook

Gonorrhoea can be easily diagnosed through a simple swab test and treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, gonorrhoea can lead to more serious long-term health problems and infertility.