Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection that can be passed on through vaginal, anal and oral sex.

Gonorrhoea: an overview

Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection.

You can order an online testing kit for free through our website to see if you have gonorrhoea. It can usually be easily treated with a course of antibiotics.

Click here to find out more about gonorrhoea.

Frequently Asked Questions


What are the symptoms of Gonorrhoea?

Many people with gonorrhoea have no symptoms, it is important therefore to test regularly and when changing partners.

When symptoms do occur, they can include:

  • changes in vaginal discharge
  • pelvic pain
  • irregular periods.

They can also cause pain when urinating and discharge from the end of the penis.

How do I know if I've got it?

Testing is easy and includes a vaginal swab or a urine sample. Depending on your sexual history, you may also be offered rectal and throat swabs.

You can order order a postal STI test here or can find a clinic to get tested.

Gonorrhoea may take two weeks to show up in a test from the time of infection.

Can it be treated?

Gonorrhoea can be easily treated with antibiotics.

How can it be prevented?

Condoms can help prevent gonorrhoea. These are available from your nearest axess clinic, or you can order them for free here.

Testing each time you change your sexual partner can help reduce the spread of all STIs.

What will happen if I have Gonorrhoea but I don't get it treated?

It is possible for people with a cervix to experience long term problems from untreated gonorrhoea, these include reduced fertility or an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.

For people with a penis, it can cause infections in the testicles.