Gonorrhoea – what is it?

Also known as ‘clap’ or ‘a dose’, gonorrhoea is an infection caused by a bacterium, neisseria gonorrhoea.

It is on the increase in Scotland.

Symptoms

This depends on the part of the body affected. Most men with throat or rectal infection will have no symptoms, although occasionally the latter can produce irritation, discharge and pain in the anal area.

Gonorrhoea affecting the urethra usually (but not always) results in a discharge (clear or yellow) or pain on passing urine. If symptoms occur, this is commonly between 2 and 12 days after coming into contact with the infection.

Untreated, gonorrhoea can lead to serious problems with the prostate gland (which helps make semen), and sometimes the testicles.

Transmission

This infection is very easy to pass on – any combination of oral, genital and anal sexual activities can transmit the germ. It cannot be caught through social contact such as kissing or touching or from towels.

Testing

Swabs can be taken from any parts of your body where you may have been at risk of infection.

Treatment

Gonorrhoea is usually very easily treated by antibiotic tablets. It is most important that you do not have sex until you have been back for follow-up tests. This is necessary for two reasons – sometimes the infection is resistant to the antibiotic given and a second drug has to be given. Also, the tests may show another infection – gonorrhoea is often the first to show itself and may mask others.

Prevention

Using condoms and lube for fucking will provide a degree of protection, but there are still risks associated with oral sex. In light of this, six monthly sexual health check ups are a good idea, and more often if you have put yourself at risk.