Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea, also known as “The Clap,” is the second most common sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection. It spreads through vaginal, anal and/or oral sex without using a condom or oral dam. If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause serious health problems such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), chronic pain and infertility. Gonorrhea can be passed to an infant in the birth canal during delivery, causing severe complications, such as blindness, joint infection, or blood infection.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually occur within 2-7 days after exposure; however, some people may show no signs or symptoms.
Symptoms can include:
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating
- Pain, itching, bleeding, and mucous discharge of the rectum
- Redness, itching, and discharge of the eyes (for gonorrhea in the eyes)
- Throat infection
People with vaginas may experience the following symptoms:
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Lower back and abdominal pain
- Vaginal bleeding after intercourse or between menstrual periods
- Pain during sex
People with penises may experience the following symptoms:
- Thick, yellow-green discharge from the penis
- Painful or swollen testicles
- Burning or itching at the opening of the penis
Testing for gonorrhea requires a urine test and or swabbing of the affected area. If detected early, antibiotics can treat and cure gonorrhea. See your healthcare provider for STBBI testing.
Prevention is key to protecting yourself and your partner from STBBIs. Click here for safer sex tips.
Services related to this information:
- Contact Planned Parenthood — NL Sexual Health Centre at 1-877 NO MYTHS (666-9847) or 709-579-1009
- Contact your Public Health Nurse:
- 811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555
Eastern-Urban:
- Contact the Sexual Health Clinic at sexualhealthclinic@easternhealth.ca.
- Contact the community walk-in clinic (Mundy Pond) at 709-777-1706