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HOW URGENT ARE MY SYMPTOMS WHAT TESTS DO I NEED? WHERE CAN I BE TESTED? ABOUT STIs GET THE FACTS CONTACT
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Gonorrhoea

Also known as gono

Gonorrhoea is a common STI caused by bacteria and can be passed on during sex without a condom.

Quick facts

  • Gonorrhoea most commonly infects the urethra and the cervix, but can also infect the anus and throat
  • It is spread by having sex without a condom with a partner who has gonorrhoea
  • Urine samples and swabs from the urethra, cervix, throat or anus are sent to the laboratory for testing
  • It is treated effectively with antibiotics

Download a fact sheet in other languages:

  • Gonorrhoea (Arabic)
  • Gonorrhoea (Chinese Simplified)
  • Gonorrhoea (Filipino)
  • Gonorrhoea (Japanese)
  • Gonorrhoea (Korean)
  • Gonorrhoea (Spanish)
  • Gonorrhoea (Thai)
  • Gonorrhoea (Vietnamese)

What is this?

Gonorrhoea can infect the urethra, cervix, anus, throat and eyes. On rare occasions, it can spread to the bloodstream causing fever, joint pain and skin lesions.

If infected with gonorrhoea, you might not notice any symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they may include:

  • unusual discharge from the penis, vagina or anus
  • stinging or burning when urinating
  • sore, dry throat

How do you get it?

Gonorrhoea is carried in genital fluid and is spread by unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has gonorrhoea. 

What are the symptoms?

Vagina

If you have a vagina, most vaginal gonorrhoea infections have no symptoms. If symptoms occur, they can include:

  • unusual vaginal discharge
  • irregular vaginal bleeding
  • discomfort when urinating
  • pelvic pain, especially during vaginal sex

Penis

If you have a penis, symptoms can include:

  • yellow or white discharge from the penis
  • pain or discomfort when urinating
  • redness around the opening of the penis

Anus

Most anal gonorrhoea infections occur without symptoms. If symptoms occur, they can include anal discharge and discomfort.

Throat

Most oral gonorrhoea infections occur without symptoms. If symptoms occur, they can include a sore throat.

How do you test for it?

Gonorrhoea is tested by:

  • urine sample
  • swab from the urethra, cervix, throat or anus

These tests can usually find gonorrhoea 2 - 4 days after you have come into contact with the infection.

How is it treated?

Gonorrhoea is treated with antibiotics.

Symptoms usually ease within 24 hours. If you still have symptoms a week after treatment, go back to your doctor.

You must not have any sex for one week after treatment (not even sex with a condom or dam).

You must not have sex with any partners until one week after they are treated.

Are there any complications if not treated?

If you have a vagina and uterus, untreated gonorrhoea can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a condition that may lead to complications, including infertility.

Is it likely to come back after treatment?

Gonorrhoea is less likely to come back if you:

  • tell your partners and make sure that your current partners see a doctor and get treated
  • use condoms or dams consistently with all partners

How can I protect myself?

Using a condom or dam during sex is the best way to protect yourself from gonorrhoea.

Let them know

When you've been diagnosed with an STI like this, all of your sexual partners from the last few months should be checked by a doctor. 

It is very important that all your sex partners (regular and casual) are checked because if STIs are not treated they may cause serious problems later on.

If you have difficulty telling your partners, you can use Let Them Know for sample conversations, emails, text messages and letters you can send to your partners either personally or anonymously.

Where can I get help?

  • Visit a sexual health service near you
  • Visit your local doctor
  • Visit your local community health centre

Related videos

You should know gonorrhoea

This animation provides information and education about a range of sexually transmitted infections including symptoms and treatments and safe sex.

Produced by Youth Projects

What's involved in a sexual health check

Zane thinks he needs a chlamydia check and books in to his local community health clinic in country Victoria. A humorous clip about what to expect visiting a sexual health clinic, made by young people who found out for themselves just how easy it is to book in and get checked.

Disclaimer

This fact sheet provides general sexual health information and is not intended to replace the need for a consultation with your doctor.

If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your doctor.

If you require urgent care, you should go to your nearest Emergency Department or call 000.

How urgent are my symptoms?
What tests do I need?
Where can I be tested?
Related fact sheets
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Related links
  • Let Them Know

Disclaimer

This fact sheet provides general sexual health information and is not intended to replace the need for a consultation with your doctor.

If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your doctor.

If you require urgent care, you should go to your nearest Emergency Department or call 000.

Helping to keep you safe, healthy and STI free

We acknowledge the people of the Kulin Nation, the traditional custodians and pay our respects to their culture and their Elders past, present and emerging. We welcome all cultures, nationalities and religions. Being inclusive and providing equitable healthcare is our commitment.

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