Gonorrhoea is a contagious sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrheoae. It is transmitted via unprotected sexual intercourse or contact with sexual fluids from an infected person, and can be caught by both men and women.
The early signs of gonorrhoea can be mild and may go unnoticed.
Symptoms in men may include an unpleasant discharge from the penis, discomfort when passing urine, pain or tenderness due to inflammation of the testicles or prostate gland and the need to urinate frequently.
Symptoms in women may include discomfort when passing urine, an unpleasant vaginal discharge, pain around the lower abdomen area, heavier periods or irregular bleeding between periods, and the need to urinate frequently.
If the anal area is infected, symptoms include discharge from the anus, pain or burning sensation, and pain on anal intercourse.
