Gonorrhoea
is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria called
Neisseria gonorrhoeae or gonococcus. Gonorrhoea
is passed on through unprotected sex (sex without a condom)
or by sharing sex toys. Safer sex is the best way
to prevent gonorrhoea. This means using a condom every time you have sex
(vaginal, anal
or oral). Gonorrhoea symptoms normally appear within 10 days of
infection but they can occur many months later. Roughly 10% of men and 50% of
women will not experience any symptoms at all. Treatment
for gonorrhoea consists of a short course of antibiotics. It normally involves
an antibiotic injection (in the buttocks or thigh) and a single dose of
antibiotic tablet.
