Most Common FAQs about Gonorrhoea in the UK: Answered All

1. What are the early symptoms of Gonorrhoea?

Most people do not experience any symptoms when diagnosed with Gonorrhoea. However, we have enlisted here some early symptoms of Gonorrhoea you may notice after unprotected sexual intercourse with another person who already has the STI. 

For Men:

• Burning during urination

• Frequent urges for urination

• White, green, or yellow pus-like discharge from the tip of the penis

• discoloration or swelling on the penis tip

• Swelling or pain in the testicles

• Pain during bowel movements

For Women:

• Creamy or greenish discharge from the vagina

• Painful urination

• Heavy menstruation or spotting between periods

• Painful vaginal sexual intercourse

• Acute abdominal pain

• Rectal bleeding or discharge

• Painful sensations during bowel movements

2. Are there any home tests for Gonorrhoea? 

Some tests, if not all, can be done at home for diagnosing Gonorrhoea with At-Home STD test kits. You can test Gonorrhoea at home by collecting urine and fluid samples to send it for laboratory testing. However, you cannot test for all potential sites of Gonorrhoea infection at home, such as the eyes and throat. We recommend you consult with a healthcare provider for accurate, efficient, and professional Gonorrhoea diagnosis and treatment. 

3. Can I mistake Gonorrhoea for another STI?

Yes, people cannot distinguish between Gonorrhoea and other sexually transmitted infections like Chlamydia and Yeast Infections. Most women with Gonorrhoea doesn’t have any symptoms and if they have, the symptoms can be mistaken for a yeast or vaginal infection. The white pus-like discharge can be a symptom or early sign of Chlamydia, Yeast Infection, or Gonorrhoea. Hence, it is essential to consult with a professional healthcare provider when suspicious of any sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 

4. How long can Gonorrhoea stay dormant before symptoms appear? 

Sexually transmitted infections like Gonorrhoea can stay dormant for 2 to 30 days in patients assigned male at birth. Patients assigned female at birth can develop Gonorrhoea symptoms within 10 days of infection. However, in some patients, it can take 4 to 6 months for Gonorrhoea to show any severe symptoms.

5. I had Gonorrhoea before; can I get it again?

Yes, it is possible to get Gonorrhoea again, even if you have dealt with the infection in the past. Gonorrhoea is caused by the bacteria called “Neisseria Gonorrhoeae,” and if you are exposed to the bacteria again, the chances of getting Gonorrhoea are high. 

6. Can you get Gonorrhoea from oral sex?

Absolutely! Patients can get Gonorrhoea from oral sex with another person who has the sexually transmitted disease. Gonorrhoea can be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, which includes oral, anal, or vaginal sex. The infection can be transmitted even if there is no ejaculation occurring during intercourse. 

7. How long after exposure is it safe to have sex again?

If you have been exposed to Gonorrhoea, you must get appropriate diagnoses and treatment from a professional healthcare provider. You should first ensure to complete the entire treatment course to efficiently get rid of Gonorrhoea, or there might be a chance of getting the sexually transmitted infection again.

8. What kind of condoms are best for preventing Gonorrhoea?

Latex condoms are the best way to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like Gonorrhoea, Trichomoniasis, and Chlamydia. Using latex condoms regularly and correctly makes them effective enough to stop the transmission of STIs. 

9. Do I need to get tested for other STIs if I have Gonorrhoea?

As Gonorrhoea has symptoms similar to other STIs like Chlamydia, it is advisable to get tested for other sexually transmitted infections as well. Make sure to tell your doctor to check for other STIs to get early detection of other infections, if any. 

10. Are there any side effects to the antibiotics used for Gonorrhoea?

Similar to any other medication, the most common antibiotics used for Gonorrhoea, such as Cefixime 200mg and Azithromycin, have the following side effects:

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Vomiting 

• Abdominal Pain

• Dizziness

• Headache

11. How long does it take for Gonorrhoea treatment to work?

Although the effectiveness of Gonorrhoea treatment varies depending on the severity of the pain and health condition of the patient, it may take up to 2 weeks to completely treat Gonorrhoea. 

12. What happens if I don't get treated for Gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection that should be taken seriously. If left untreated, the bacteria causing Gonorrhoea can spread into the blood of the patient, leading to serious conditions like disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) and pelvic inflammatory disease. Additionally, untreated Gonorrhoea can result in transmitting the infection to your sexual partners and increasing the chances of getting other STIs. 

13. How to Cure Gonorrhoea without Consulting a Doctor?

You can buy gonorrhoea tablets and find the treatment over the internet when it comes to treating Gonorrhoea without consulting a doctor. However, the only reliable and trusted way to efficiently treat Gonorrhoea is by consulting a professional healthcare provider and using prescription antibiotics. 

14. Can I still have unprotected sex after finishing the Gonorrhoea treatment?

It is not recommended to have unprotected sex at least 7 to 10 days after finishing the Gonorrhoea treatment. Before you have sex without a condom, you must confirm with your healthcare provider if the Gonorrhoea infection is completely cleared off of you and your sexual partner. Only after your healthcare provider confirms you can have unprotected sex with your partner. 

15. How can I talk to my partner about getting tested for Gonorrhoea?

Begin an open-ended and honest conversation with your partner about getting tested for Gonorrhoea and other STIs. Make sure to share that it is essential to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) once or twice a year to maintain optimal sexual health. It will be better to express your feelings that you care about the sexual health of yourself as well as your partner. 

16. Are there any support groups or resources for people with Gonorrhoea?

There are various communities or resources you can find over the internet with a variety of people who might have/be dealing with Gonorrhoea. Here are some general suggestions:

• Planned Parenthood

• NHS 

• Brook

• Terrence Higgins Trust