Gonorrhea
The number of gonorrheal infections have nearly doubled in the last 10 years in Canada.
How would I get it?
- Spread through unprotected oral, vaginal or anal sex with an infected partner, mutual masturbation and sharing of sex toys
- Can cause infections in the penis and vagina, and occasionally throat and rectum
- Can be passed from an infected mother to infant during birth
What kind of symptoms could I have if I am infected?
You may have NO SYMPTOMS at all if you are infected. Other times you may have some or all of the symptoms listed below.
All sexes:
- Pain when peeing
- Pain, itching, bleeding, mucus discharge of the rectum (rectal infection)
- Throat infection
Vaginal symptoms:
- Vaginal bleeding after sex or between periods
- Vaginal discharge
- Pelvic or lower back pain
- Pain during sex
Penile symptoms:
- Itchy urethra
- Thick, yellowish-green discharge from the penis
- Testicular pain or swelling
How do I prevent this?
- Condoms and dental dams
How do I get tested?
- Urine and/or swabs of exposed sites; expect results to come back in 1-2 weeks
What if I test positive?
- This infection is treated with antibiotics and curable (this generally does include an injection)
- If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause serious health problems
- Gonorrhea is a reportable infection – meaning someone from Public Health may contact you for further information
- Any partners from the last 60 days need to be notified; if you have not had a partner in the last 60, then the most recent partner needs to be notified. Should you prefer to remain anonymous, Public Health can assist by notifying any or all partners.
