Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that spreads when people have vaginal, oral or anal sex without a condom. It can also spread when sharing vibrators or other sex toys that have not been washed or covered with a new condom each time they are used.
Gonorrhoea is one of the most common bacterial STIs in the UK. Unfortunately, it is getting harder to treat. In some cases, commonly used antibiotics no longer work.
In 2023, over 5,000 people in Wales were diagnosed with gonorrhoea.
Gonorrhoea is most commonly diagnosed in people aged 15 to 24 and in GBMSM. However, anyone who has unprotected sex with an infected partner can get the infection. Gonorrhoea can also spread through contact with infected discharge from the penis or vagina.
How do I know if I’ve got gonorrhoea?
Gonorrhoea can cause symptoms in the genitals, anus, throat or eyes. You may get pain or unusual discharge in these areas. Symptoms can vary depending on which part of the body is affected.
Common symptoms that affect the genitals include:
- pain or burning when you pee, and
- a thick green or yellow fluid or discharge from the penis or vagina.
Symptoms of gonorrhoea usually appear within two weeks of being infected, but sometimes they don’t appear until many months later.
You can have gonorrhoea without any symptoms and still pass it to your sexual partners.
If undiagnosed and untreated, gonorrhoea can cause serious health problems, such as painful testicle infections in men and infertility in both men and women. It can also increase your risk of getting other STIs, including HIV.
For more information about the signs and symptoms of gonorrhoea, visit the Sexual Health Wales website.
If you think you might have gonorrhoea, visit NHS 111 Wales or contact your local sexual health service or GP surgery for an appointment.
Who is at higher risk of getting gonorrhoea?
Anyone who has unprotected sex is at increased risk of getting gonorrhoea. GBMSM who have multiple sexual partners are more likely to be diagnosed with gonorrhoea.
How common is gonorrhoea?
Gonorrhoea is one of the most common bacterial STIs in the UK. In 2023, over 5,000 people in Wales were diagnosed with gonorrhoea.
Gonorrhoea is most commonly diagnosed in people aged 15 to 24 and in GBMSM. However, anyone who has unprotected sex with an infected partner can get the infection.
How do I protect myself and others from gonorrhoea?
One of the best ways to protect yourself and your partner from gonorrhoea and other STIs, including HIV, is to practise safe sex. This includes using a condom for vaginal, anal or oral sex. It is also important to keep sex toys clean and cover them with a new condom each time they are used.
You can get free condoms from the Sexual Health Wales website.
If you are eligible, you can also get the vaccine to help protect yourself against gonorrhoea.
You should get tested regularly for gonorrhoea if you have more than one sexual partner. If you are diagnosed with gonorrhoea, make sure you complete your full treatment as directed by your doctor or nurse.
If you are concerned about your risk of gonorrhoea or want more information, speak to your local sexual health clinic.
Take action: If you think you’re at risk, talk to your sexual health service.
Learn more
If you would like to learn more about the vaccine or the disease it protects against, a number of information resources are available to help.
You can also call NHS 111 Wales or your GP surgery for advice if you have any questions.
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