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Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is caused by bacteria. It can infect the throat, vagina, lining of the penis, rectum or eye. It is passed easily from one person to another through sexual contact.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of gonorrhoea may include:

  • a discharge from the vagina, penis or rectum;
  • pain when passing urine;  
  • anal pain or bleeding.

16-34 year olds make up just over a quarter of Northern Ireland’s population yet account for most cases of gonorrhoea.

There may be no signs, especially when infection is in the throat or rectum.

It is important you attend a GUM clinic for treatment of gonorrhoea because it has become resistant to some antibiotic treatments. It is currently treated with an injection and tablet antibiotics.

Find out more about gonorrhoea

Getting tested

If you are worried that you have an STI, you can get tested at your nearest clinic. You can find contact details at:

Genitourinary Medicine (GUM)/Sexual Health Clinics in Northern Ireland.

You can also find out more about sexual health services in your area at:

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