In Brighton & Hove most tests used to check for Chlamydia also test for Gonorrhoea at the same time. This might be referred to as a dual test, meaning two at once. This means you only have to do one test to check for two infections!

Gonorrhoea is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) meaning it can be passed on by unprotected sex (vaginal, anal or oral sex without a condom), sharing sex toys and mutual masturbation.

About 10% of males and 50% of females do not have any signs or symptoms when they have the Gonorrhoea infection. This means that you may not know that you have the infection and could pass it on without realising.

Symptoms of Gonorrhoea can be similar to the symptoms for Chlamydia and could include:

• Pain when passing urine (having a wee)
• Lower abdominal pain (tummy)
• Pain in your testicles for males (balls)
• Unusual bleeding after sex or between periods for females
• Any unusual discharge for males and females.

You may also notice a thin or watery discharge from the vagina or penis, which is green or yellow in colour. If you think you have symptoms of Gonorrhoea it is important to get tested as soon as you can from one of the services listed.

Untreated Gonorrhoea can lead to painful complications for both men and women and serious health problems including infertility (not being able to have a baby) so it is really important to get tested if you are sexually active or have been in the past. Dual testing for Chlamydia & Gonorrhoea is quick, easy and free.

If you have a positive result for Gonorrhoea (meaning that you do have the infection) you can be treated with antibiotics. This is usually a single dose of antibiotic tablet or one antibiotic injection. It is important that any sexual partners are told about the infection so that they can be tested and treated too. If you are worried about this, clinic staff will be able to do this for you, keeping it anonymous.

Sometimes Chlamydia & Gonorrheoa tests are offered in college, at events and at youth clubs. These are great chance to test. They are offered to everyone under 25 who wants one, and can be a good way to get used to testing and looking after yourself.

Please feel free to contact us at swish@brighton-hove.gov.uk with your questions or comments.