Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is a common STI, which you can pass easily. In 2024, there were over 71,802 new gonorrhoea diagnoses in England.
There is a simple test for gonorrhoea and effective treatment to cure it.
To order a test, please click here.
There is a simple test for gonorrhoea and effective treatment to cure it.
To order a test, please click here.
What is it and how do I get it?
Gonorrhoea is an STI caused by the bacteria Neisseria Gonorrhoeae.
You can pass it through:
Pregnant people can also pass untreated gonorrhoea to the baby during birth.
You can NOT pass it by:
You can pass it through:
- Vaginal Sex
- Anal Sex
- Oral Sex
- Sharing Sex Toys
Pregnant people can also pass untreated gonorrhoea to the baby during birth.
You can NOT pass it by:
- Kissing / Hugging
- Swimming in a Pool
- Using a Public Loo
- Sharing Towels / Cups / Plates / Cutlery
How can I prevent it?
You can lower the risk of gonorrhoea spreading by using condoms correctly.
For more details on using condoms, please see our Safer Sex page.
There is also a vaccine, called Bexsero, or MenB, that lowers your risk of catching gonorrhoea. You need two doses of the vaccine. We give these at least four weeks apart.
The NHS recommends Bexsero for:
Find out more on our Vaccines page. If you think you might be suitable for Bexsero, please book an appointment or come along to one of our walk-in clinics.
It is important to be aware that Bexsero is not 100% effective. It lowers your risk of catching gonorrhoea by 30 - 40%.
We recommend that you keep using condoms, even if you've had a Bexsero jab.
For more details on using condoms, please see our Safer Sex page.
There is also a vaccine, called Bexsero, or MenB, that lowers your risk of catching gonorrhoea. You need two doses of the vaccine. We give these at least four weeks apart.
The NHS recommends Bexsero for:
- Men who have sex with men
- People with a history of multiple STIs
- Sex workers
Find out more on our Vaccines page. If you think you might be suitable for Bexsero, please book an appointment or come along to one of our walk-in clinics.
It is important to be aware that Bexsero is not 100% effective. It lowers your risk of catching gonorrhoea by 30 - 40%.
We recommend that you keep using condoms, even if you've had a Bexsero jab.
What might I notice?
You might notice nothing. Roughly 50% of people with vaginas have no symptoms. Roughly 10% of people with penises have no symptoms.
Symptoms normally appear within two weeks of unprotected sex, but it can take months. This does not mean you don't have gonorrhoea. You could still pass it to your partner(s).
Symptoms of gonorrhoea can also come and go. If your symptoms clear up, it doesn't mean you no longer have gonorrhoea. You could still get complications or pass it on to your partner(s).
I have a penis
You might notice:
I have a vagina
You might notice:
Other Symptoms
You might also notice:
Although you can spread gonorrhoea through oral sex, it doesn't often cause oral symptoms.
Symptoms normally appear within two weeks of unprotected sex, but it can take months. This does not mean you don't have gonorrhoea. You could still pass it to your partner(s).
Symptoms of gonorrhoea can also come and go. If your symptoms clear up, it doesn't mean you no longer have gonorrhoea. You could still get complications or pass it on to your partner(s).
I have a penis
You might notice:
- Green or yellow discharge from your penis
- Burning, itching or tingling when you wee
- Pain or swelling in your balls (testicles)
- Pain or swelling in your foreskin
I have a vagina
You might notice:
- More / different discharge, such as yellow or green
- Bleeding between your periods or after sex
- Pain when you wee
- Tummy pain / pelvic pain, especially during sex
Other Symptoms
You might also notice:
- Painful, red eyes (conjunctivitis) - if the germs come in contact with your eyes
- Discomfort in the rectum
- Discharge from the rectum
- Needing to wee more often
Although you can spread gonorrhoea through oral sex, it doesn't often cause oral symptoms.
How do I get a test?
There are reliable tests for gonorrhoea. They are quick, free, and easy to take.
Gonorrhoea can take up to two weeks to show positive without symptoms. A test taken within two weeks might not be accurate. If you have tested negative in this window, we recommend you take another test. For more advice, please see Window Periods page.
You should test earlier if you:
The test works by swabbing the throat, vagina, or anus. If you have a penis, it is a urine sample.
You can book an at home test here.
If you are concerned, please get in touch.
Gonorrhoea can take up to two weeks to show positive without symptoms. A test taken within two weeks might not be accurate. If you have tested negative in this window, we recommend you take another test. For more advice, please see Window Periods page.
You should test earlier if you:
- Have symptoms
- Have had unprotected sex with someone who has tested positive
The test works by swabbing the throat, vagina, or anus. If you have a penis, it is a urine sample.
You can book an at home test here.
If you are concerned, please get in touch.
How do I get treatment?
If you have gonorrhoea, the standard treatment is antibiotics. The antibiotic prescribed most often for this illness is ceftriaxone.
The team might offer you treatment without waiting for test results, if:
If you need treatment for gonorrhoea, please book an appointment.
You shouldn't have sex again until:
The team might offer you treatment without waiting for test results, if:
- You know you have been in contact with someone who has Gonorrhoea
- You have symptoms suggestive of Gonorrhoea
If you need treatment for gonorrhoea, please book an appointment.
You shouldn't have sex again until:
- Two weeks after you have finished treatment
- Any relevant partners have completed their courses of treatment
Do I need a follow up after treatment?
Some people might need a follow-up test after treatment. This will usually be two weeks after you finish treatment. If you need a follow-up test, the clinic will let you know.
What if I don't get treatment?
Gonorrhoea is a treatable illness. If you find and treat it quickly, it doesn't cause long-term problems.
If it isn't treated quickly, it can lead to:
Some of these are very rare. It is still important to know about them.
If it isn't treated quickly, it can lead to:
- Infections in the pelvis and balls (testicles)
- Scaring of the penile urethra
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Pregnancy complications, such as ectopic pregnancy, premature birth, and post-birth infection
- Lowered fertility
Some of these are very rare. It is still important to know about them.
Should I tell my partners?
If you test positive for gonorrhoea, you should tell your partners. This is so they can test too and get treatment if they need it.
If you aren't sure, we can help you figure out who to contact. If you prefer, we can reach out on your behalf. We do this through a system called contact tracing.
You shouldn't have sex with your regular partners until:
It is possible that a partner who has been cured could catch gonorrhoea again.
If you aren't sure, we can help you figure out who to contact. If you prefer, we can reach out on your behalf. We do this through a system called contact tracing.
You shouldn't have sex with your regular partners until:
- They have taken a test, and
- Everyone who tested positive has completed their treatment
It is possible that a partner who has been cured could catch gonorrhoea again.
Find out more about gonorrhoea on the NHS Website.