HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Gonorrhoea
Konoria
Gonorrhoea is a common bacterial infection passed on by having sex.
If you're sexually active, it's a good idea to get tested at your general practice, Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa Clinic, school clinic or Te Tahi Youth. You can also get tested at the Sexual Health Centre.
Symptoms of gonorrhoea
Some people with gonorrhoea do not have any symptoms.
Women with gonorrhoea may have vaginal discharge, pain on weeing, pain during sex, unusual vaginal bleeding or lower abdominal pain. Men may have a discharge from their penis, pain on weeing or pain in their testicles.
Gonorrhoea can also cause anal bleeding or discharge if you've had anal sex.
Diagnosing gonorrhoea
You can be tested for gonorrhoea with a simple swab or urine test. You may be able to take the swab yourself.
Even if you feel embarrassed, it's better to get a simple check than to have untreated gonorrhoea.
Treating gonorrhoea
Treatment is usually an injection and some tablets. A single dose of the right treatment usually cures gonorrhoea. Your sexual partner will need to be treated at the same time.
Untreated gonorrhoea can cause more serious problems. It can also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy.
You should avoid sex or use condoms until a week after you and your partner have been treated.
Using a condom every time you have sex is the best way to protect yourself from getting or passing on gonorrhoea.
HealthInfo recommends the following videos
- Youth Projects – Gonorrhoea
A video about gonorrhoea, including how it's passed on and treatment.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Just the Facts – Gonorrhoea
Information about gonorrhoea.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed June 2022.
Sources
Review key: HISYP-53679
