Gonorrhoea infection in the genitals, throat and rectum

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is bacteria responsible for a common sexually transmitted infection. Cases of Gonorrhoea infection have been on the rise over the past several years. Since 2004, cases of Gonorrhoea have increased by over 42% and cases of infection continue to rise from 25,000 in 2012 to over 29,000 cases diagnosed in 2013, a 15% increase. Gonorrhoea is of particular concern due to the emergence of antibiotic resistant strains of this bacteria. This means that there are now types of the Gonorrheoa bacteria that cannot be treated and cured using the normal antibiotics. Fortunately, there are still some drugs which can be used to cure this infection but it is getting increasingly difficult to do so.

One of the challenges is that many people infected with Gonorrhoea do not have any symptoms. When there are symptoms, men can expect to feel a burning sensation on urination, a white, yellow or green discharge from the penis or painful and swollen testicles. Most infected women do not have any symptoms but again, if they do, they can expect pain or burning on urination, increased vaginal discharge or vaginal bleeding between periods.

Gonorrhoea can also infect the throat and the rectum. Infection in these parts of the body are from oral and anal sex. Sometimes there are symptoms of infection in these locations of the body, but again most often there are none.

With Gonorrhoea on the rise and its ability to infect the genitals, the throat and the rectum, if you are thinking about having a Gonorrhoea test you should carefully consider whether a throat swab or rectal swab should also be taken. Better2Know can help you with this decision and has over 130 clinics around the UK where we can get you tested, often with results available the same or next day. Remember, by getting tested you will know if you are carrying this often silent infection and you can help slow down the rise of antibiotic resistance.