Sexual Transmitted Disease (STD) - Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea (gon-o-RHEE-ah)
sometimes called “the clap”, “the drip” or “the dose”

What is gonorrhea?

It’s caused by bacteria that can infect:
• the urethra
• the uterus, cervix, or fallopian tubes
• or the anus or rectum.
It may also infect the throat.

How do you get gonorrhea?
If you have anal sex, oral sex, or vaginal sex
without a condom with someone who has it,
you can get it. It is passed through body fluids
(like vaginal fluid or semen). It can also be passed
from mother to baby during birth.

You can’t get it from:
• kissing or hugging
• shaking hands
• sharing food or using the same dish
• sitting on public toilets

How do you know you have it?
Many people do not have symptoms.
A woman may have:
• unusual discharge (fluid) coming out of her vagina
• pain or burning when she urinates or has sex
• pain in her belly or back
• bleeding when it’s not her period
• or fever if she has a more severe infection
• a sore or red throat (if the infection is in her throat)

A man may have:
• discharge (thick white or yellow stuff) coming out
of his penis
• pain or burning when he urinates or the urge to
urinate a lot
• swelling or pain in his testicles (balls)
• a sore or red throat (if the infection is in his throat)

What is the test like?
A doctor or nurse may wipe the area with a small swab
or they may ask you for a sample of urine.

How is gonorrhea treated?
It can be cured with medicine called antibiotics that you
get from your health care provider.
Be sure your partner(s) sees a health care provider and get
treated at the same time so that you don’t pass the infection
back and forth. You should also be sure to follow your
health care provider’s advice and take all of the medicine
you are given even if you start to feel better.

What can you do to protect yourself?
• You can choose not to have sex
• You can reduce your number of partners if
you choose to have sex
• You can use condoms when you have sex
• You can talk with your partner(s) about STDs
• You can talk with your health care provider and get tested