Gonorrhoea Symptoms, Causes and Treatment in Singapore
by: Dr. Paul Chang, General Practitioner, Regis Medical
Gonorrhoea is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Singapore. Typically, it can be treated easily, with symptoms improving within days.
What is Gonorrhoea?
Gonorrhoea is a STI caused by a bacteria named Neisseria gonorrhoeae or gonococcus. Gonorrhoea can infect both men and women, usually affecting the urethra, rectum or throat, as well as the cervix in women. It can usually be treated using antibiotics but can lead to lifelong problems if left untreated.
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Symptoms of Gonorrhoea
For some people infected with gonorrhoea, they will not experience symptoms. However, they can still pass on the infection to others.
Symptoms of gonorrhoea include:
- Experiencing a burning sensation while urinating
- Increased urge and frequency of urination
- Itching or soreness in the anus
- Rectal bleeding or discharge
- Pain during bowel movements
For men, they may experience:
- A pus-like discharge from the penis, which could be yellow, white, beige or greenish in colour.
- Discolouration and swelling at the opening of the penis
- Swelling or pain at the testicles
For women, they may experience:
- Discharge from the vagina that is watery, creamy or greenish
- Pain during penetration
- Heavier periods
- Sharp lower abdomen pain
If you do experience any of the above symptoms, it is advised that you visit a trusted healthcare provider who will be able to assess your condition and suggest screening tests or treatment accordingly.
Causes and Risk Factors of Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is usually spread from person to person via vaginal, oral or anal sex. However, it can also be passed on from infected mothers to babies during childbirth.
You will be at a higher risk of a gonorrhoea infection if you:
- Are sexually active
- Have a new sex partner
- Have multiple sex partners
- Have a history of gonorrhoea or other STIs
Diagnosing Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea can be diagnosed with STD tests, including:
- A urine test
- A blood test
- A fluid test (a sample of the fluids from your penis, vagina, throat, or rectum will be collected via swabbing)
The test results will be ready for collection in a few days depending on your test clinic or location. While the test results are pending, you should avoid sexual activity until you get a negative result.
Complications of Gonorrhoea
It is important to seek treatment for gonorrhoea early. The STI can often be treated effectively but leaving it untreated can lead to serious health consequences. Major health complications such include:
- Infertility
- Spreading of the infection to other areas of your body such as the joints
- Increased risk of contracting HIV/AIDS
- Complications in babies if the infection is passed on from the mother during childbirth
Gonorrhoea Prevention
Gonorrhoea can happen to anyone who is sexually active. However, there are preventive steps that you can take to lower your risks of contracting gonorrhoea. These include:
- Using a condom during sex, including anal sex, oral sex and vaginal sex.
- Not engaging in casual sex.
- If you are in a monogamous relationship, you may want to consider getting both you and your partner tested before having sex.
- If your partner has apparent signs of an STI, do not have sex with them. Ask them to get tested so that both of you can be protected.
- If you are at a higher risk of contracting gonorrhoea, do consider getting checked for STIs at least once a year.
Gonorrhoea Treatment
Gonorrhoea can usually be treated effectively using antibiotics. It cannot be treated using over-the-counter medications. You will need to visit a medical provider who will usually give you a one-time intramuscular injection of the antibiotic ceftriaxone. After the injection, you may be prescribed oral antibiotics such as doxycycline or azithromycin. For patients with drug allergies, your doctor may prescribe alternative types of antibiotics to suit your health needs.
Do note that you will need to finish the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor. Should symptoms continue to persist even after completion of the medication, you will need to return to your doctor for retesting.
All cases diagnosed with Gonorrhoea should undergo a Test of Cure (using a Gonorrhoea Culture, NOT PCR), 2 weeks after the initial treatment.
Consult a Doctor About Your Condition
If you suspect that you may have a STI, be it gonorrhoea or any other type of STI, do not panic. You should visit a trusted healthcare provider and get screened for STIs. Once diagnosed, your doctor will be able to prescribe the necessary. Early treatment is important when it comes to treating STIs and will help to minimise the effects of the infection on your health.
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