GONORRHEA

GONORRHEA

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the gonococcus bacteria. It is also known as clap or gonorrhea.

Overall, gonorrhea is on the rise. Between 2017 and 2021, there will be a 40% increase in positive diagnoses.

Gonorrhea is most commonly diagnosed in people with a penis aged between 20 and 39. In people with a vulva, gonorrhea is mainly diagnosed in the 20-29 age group.

Transmissions

Gonorrhoea is transmitted: 

  • by exchange of biological fluids (semen, pre-ejaculatory fluid, vaginal secretions) in contact with genital, oral or anal mucous membranes (inner vulva, vagina, glans, anus, throat). Transmission of gonorrhea is even more frequent during contact (direct AND indirect) between mucous membranes (sexual caresses, exchange of sex toys, etc.). 
  • during childbirth (from the mother to the child).

Symptoms

Gonorrhea is generally asymptomatic. Otherwise, symptoms appear 2 to 5 days after infection: 

  • Unusual vaginal discharge, pain in the lower abdomen and irritation of the vulva 
  • Unusual discharge from the penis and irritation of the penis 
  • Razor-sharp pain and possible bleeding. Throat and anal pain (often with fluid discharge)
  • Infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes; 
  • Prostate infection; 

Infected individuals, even if they have no symptoms (30% of cases), can still transmit the infection to their sexual partners.

Consequences

If the infection is not treated in time, complications can arise:

  • Sterility
  • ectopic pregnancy
  • miscarriage.
  • In the throat, penis and anus, an asymptomatic infection will be eliminated naturally without consequences.

Screening

Screening for gonorrhoea is carried out: 

  • via a smear test (vaginal, oral, anal);
  • by means of a "first jet*" urine test.

*To test effectively for Chlamydia, the sample should ideally be taken from the first few drops, without having urinated two hours beforehand.

Treatment

Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics.

Protection

To protect yourself from gonorrhea, you can use condoms (external or internal), a latex square or a latex or nitril glove.

Condoms reduce the risk of exposure, but do not offer total protection, as gonorrhea can be transmitted during sexual touching and oral sex (practices that are less often protected).

Recommendation

Please note that only 2 gonorrhea/chlamydia tests are reimbursed per year in Belgium.

Other STIs

Other infections