Gonorrhoea

Symptoms of gonorrhoea usually develop within abouttwo weeksof being infected, although they sometimes don't appear until many months later.

About1 in 10 infected men and half of infected women won't experience any obvious symptoms, which means the conditioncan go untreated for some time.

Symptoms in women

In women, symptoms of gonorrhoea can include:

• an unusual Vaginal discharge , which may be thin or wateryand green or yellow in colour
• painor a burning sensation when passing urine
• pain or tenderness in the lower abdominal area (this is less common)
• bleeding between periods , heavier periods and bleeding after sex(this is less common)

Symptoms in men

In men, symptomsof gonorrhoeacan include:

• an unusual discharge from the tip of the penis, which may be white, yellow or green
• pain or a burning sensation when urinating
• inflammation (swelling) of the foreskin
• pain or tenderness in the testicles (this is rare)

Infectionin the rectum, throat or eyes

Both men and women can develop an infection inthe rectum, eyes or throat by having unprotected anal or oral sex. If infected semen or vaginal fluid comes into contact with the eyes, you can also develop conjunctivitis .

Infection in the rectum can cause discomfort, pain or discharge. Infection in the eyes can cause irritation, pain, swelling and discharge. Infection in the throat usually causes no symptoms.

Seeking medical advice

It's important tobe tested for gonorrhoea if you think there's a chance you'reinfected, even if you have no obvious symptoms or the symptoms have gone away on their own.

If gonorrhoea is left undiagnosed and untreated, you can continue to spread the infection and there is a risk of potentially serious complications, including infertility .

treating gonorrhoea

complications of gonorrhoea