Gonorrhoea also known as The Clap, is caused by a highly contagious bacteria called neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is spread through infected semen or vaginal fluids. During unprotected sex, Gonorrhoea can be passed onto anything that comes into contact with the infection, including the penis, vagina, anus, throat and eyes.

Anyone who is sexually active can catch Gonorrhoea, especially if they change partners regularly and do not use a barrier method of protection. Once infected, an individual is more at risk of contracting other forms of STD’s including HIV.

The symptoms of Gonorrhoea typically show up within the first two weeks after infection, but may not appear for a number of months, or until it has moved to another part of the body. Around 50% of women and 90% of men that have contracted Gonorrhoea experience some sort of symptoms, which include:

• A thick and often smelly yellow or green coloured discharge from the penis or vagina.
• Pain and tenderness of the genitals.
• Irritation or discharge from the anus, and
• A need to urinate frequently.

Women may also experience bleeding between periods or heavier periods.

If left untreated, Gonorrhoea can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women, which can lead to infertility and causes infections of the prostate gland and testicles in men.

If you think you have been exposed to Gonorrhoea or another STD, you should visit your GP or an STD testing clinic.