Embarrassing Illnesses

What can I do to lower my risk of gonorrhoea?
Reducing your number of sexual partners and practising safer sex is the best way to lower your risk of gonorrhoea.

What is safer sex?

• Use condoms (male or female) every time you have vaginal or anal sex.
• If you have oral sex, cover the penis with a condom or the female genitals with a latex or polyurethane (plastic) square (dental dam).
• If you're not sure how to use a condom, there are normally instructions on the packet. Or see the information on condoms on the NHS website www.condomessentialwear.co.uk (links to external site) or on the fpa (Family Planning Clinic) website www.fpa.org.uk (links to external site).
• Avoid sharing sex toys. If you do share them, wash them or cover them with a new condom before anyone else uses them.
• For rimming (mouth to anus) cover the anus with a dental dam.

These measures can also protect you from some other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV and chlamydia. If you have gonorrhoea without knowing it they will also help prevent you passing it on to your partner.

Where do I go for further help and advice?
Call the Sexual Health Helpline on 0800 567 123 for confidential advice and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Alternatively, you can call sexual health direct, run by fpa, for confidential information and advice on all STIs, contraception, sexual wellbeing, planning a pregnancy and pregnancy choices. fpa also gives you details of sexual health services and a wide range of leaflets. Sexual health direct is open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm. Call 0845 122 8690.

If you feel concerned about seeing your GP ask to speak to the practice nurse or visit a GUM (sexual health) clinic, details of which can be found on the fpa's website or on the NHS website www.condomessentialwear.co.uk (links to external site).