Understanding The Symptoms of Gonorrhoea in UK

Gonorrhoea, or as some people call it, “The Clap”, is the second most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK. It is quite surprising to know that, in 2022, around 82,500 people have been diagnosed with Gonorrhoea in the UK. Yes, you read it right. Gonorrhoea is rising across the UK and is a common STI that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Both men and women have equal chances of getting diagnosed with Gonorrhoea, especially at the age of 15 to 24. 

In this blog post, we will understand what Gonorrhoea is and its symptoms to identify and avoid this bacterial infection with timely action. Let’s dive in.

What is Gonorrhoea? 

Gonorrhoea, also known as “The Clap” or “The Drip”, is a potential sexually transmitted infection (STI) mainly caused by a bacterial named Neisseria gonorrhoeae. In simple terms, Gonorrhoea is a common bacterial infection that spreads through unprotected sexual intercourse, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex. This STI is transmitted through sexual fluids (Semen or Vaginal Fluids), and it often doesn’t cause symptoms. Gonorrhoea usually targets moist and warm body areas like genital areas. Some of the most common body organs that are often affected by Gonorrhoea include the following:

• Rectum

• Urethra

• Vagina

• Anus

• Eyes

• Throat

• Joints

• Female Reproductive Tract (Fallopian Tubes, Cervix, and Uterus)

Symptoms of Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea often doesn’t cause any symptoms, especially in people assigned female at birth. However, the symptoms often affect the genital tract as well as other parts of your body, such as the eyes and throat. Let us have a look at how Gonorrhoea affects men and women differently.

Gonorrhoea Symptoms for Men 

People assigned male at birth may experience Gonorrhoea symptoms. When you experience a burning sensation while peeing or notice a pus-like discharge coming out of the penis, it is crucial to diagnose Gonorrhoea to ensure if you have the STI or not. Have a look at the below Gonorrhoea symptoms for men. 

• Burning when you pee

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

• Pain or swelling in testicles

• Frequent and urgent urination

• Discoloration and swelling at penis opening

• Painful sensation when experiencing bowel movements

Gonorrhoea Symptoms for Women 

Most people who have a vagina may not always develop symptoms of Gonorrhoea. The unnoticeable symptoms of Gonorrhoea result in the spreading of the bacterial infection to other persons through unprotected sexual intercourse. You must be thinking of “what Gonorrhoea looks like” after reading that it causes no symptoms in some women. Well, Gonorrhoea looks very similar to vaginal yeast or other bacterial infections, due to which it becomes more confusing for women to identify it. The Gonorrhoea symptoms for women are as follows:

• Creamy or greenish vaginal discharge

• More frequent urination urges

• Heavy menstruation or spotting between periods

• Painful urination

• Painful vaginal sexual intercourse

• Itchiness or soreness in the anus

• Rectal bleeding or discharge

• Painful bowel movements

Conclusion

Gonorrhoea is one of the most common and widespread sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can be found among men and women. The bacterial infection often shows subtle or no symptoms in patients, due to which it is difficult to diagnose Gonorrhoea by yourself. However, you can read our blog post on Gonorrhoea diagnosis and treatment to get a better idea about recognizing and getting rid of the sexually transmitted infection. We recommend practising safe sex or using a condom during sexual intercourse to avoid Gonorrhoea. If you suspect you have been exposed to Gonorrhoea, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention for its diagnosis and treatment to start the course of Gonorrhoea Tablets.