What is gonorrhoea?

• Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by Neisseria gonorrhoea. This bacteria can spread from one person to another via vaginal, anal or oral sex even when the infected person has no symptoms.
• They can also be passed from mother to baby during birth.

How would you know if a person has gonorrhoea?

For girls :

• Girls may have no symptoms or very mild symptoms that are not noticeable until the disease becomes more severe.
• They may present with burning sensation during passing urine or yellow-green vaginal discharge.
• There might even be bleeding in between periods (intermenstrual bleeding).

If the infection spreads, it may cause Pelvic inflammatory disease.

For boys :

Pass discharge from penis

• Boys are more likely to notice symptoms.
• They often have a burning sensation when passing urine or a yellowish discharge oozing out of urethra.
• Symptoms may occur 2 to 7 days after exposure and in girls, it may even appear later.

Are there any serious complications?

• Gonorrhoea can be very dangerous if left untreated.
• In girls, it can cause Pelvic inflammatory disease.
• In boys, it can spread to the epididymis and cause pain and swelling in the testis.
• It can also create scar tissues leading to infertility.
• Increase risk of HIV infection

Can gonorrhoea be treated?

• It certainly can.
• If you or your partner has gonorrhoea, see a doctor.
• The doctor will take a swab from the discharge and analyze it.
• Your doctor can prescribe some antibiotics to treat the infection for both you and your partner.
• Taking this antibiotic can cure you but it won’t make you immune to gonorrhoea.
• You can always get reinfected if you are exposed again.

Can gonorrhoea be prevented?

Yes!

The best way is to avoid sex.

• If you are below 16 years old, having sex is illegal unless you are married.
  • The Malaysian law states that consensual sex with girls below 16 years old will lead to the male being charged with statutory rape.
• However gonorrhoea transmission can be prevented by :
  • If you are sexually active, practice safe sex.
    • Be loyal to one partner. Avoid multiple partners.
    • Use condoms. However condoms are not 100% effective in preventing gonorrhoea but are able to reduce the risk of transmission.
    • Avoid taking alcohol or drugs that can impair your judgement.