Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine for gonorrhoea - About gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is an infection that can spread during sexual activity without a condom.
A vaccine is available to help protect against gonorrhoea. In Wales, the NHS offers the vaccine on a case-by-case basis to gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM).
Other people may also be eligible for the vaccine, based on advice from a
sexual health professional.
You will be offered the vaccine if you have had:
- a bacterial infection from sex, such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea, in the last year, or
- five or more sexual partners in the last three months.
The vaccine can help lower your chance of getting gonorrhoea but will not remove the risk completely. It also helps to protect against other serious infections, such as meningitis (an infection in the brain and spinal cord) and septicaemia (blood poisoning).
Take action: If you think you’re at risk, talk to your sexual health service.
You can find a list of sexual health services in Wales at the NHS 111 Wales website (external site).
What is gonorrhoea and how does it spread?
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.
Did you know? 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.
Did you know? 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 shwales.online/about-gonorrhoea (external site).
If you think you might have gonorrhoea, visit NHS 111 Wales (external site) 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.
Did you know? You can get free condoms from the Sexual Health Wales website. Visit www.shwales.online/index.html (external site) and select ‘Condoms’ from the options at the top of the page.
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. You can find your nearest sexual health clinic here: 111.wales.nhs.uk/localservices (external site).
Page last reviewed: 1st July 2025