Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea Treatment and Testing in Nottingham,

Serving: Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Mansfield, Sheffield and the wider Midlands area

Confidential and Professional Detection and Treatment of Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the United Kingdom, yet many people remain unaware they have it due to its often symptomless nature.

What Is Gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (also known as gonococcus). This bacterium primarily infects the mucous membranes of the genital tract, though it can also affect the rectum, throat, and eyes.

Often referred to as “the clap” in colloquial language, gonorrhoea can be transmitted through various forms of intimate contact. Without proper treatment, it can lead to serious health complications for both men and women.

Recognising the Symptoms

One of the challenging aspects of gonorrhoea is that approximately 50% of women and 10% of men experience no symptoms at all, making Gonorrhoea Testing crucial even in the absence of visible signs. When symptoms do occur, they typically appear within 14 days of infection, though this timeline can vary.

In Women, Symptoms May Include:

Unusual vaginal discharge (typically green-yellow in colour)
Pain or burning sensation when passing urine
Lower abdominal pain or tenderness
Bleeding between periods or heavier periods
Bleeding after sex
Pain during sexual intercourse

In Men, Symptoms May Include:

White, yellow, or green discharge from the tip of the penis
Pain or burning sensation when passing urine
Inflammation of the foreskin
Pain or tenderness in the testicles

For Both Men and Women:

Rectal infection may cause discomfort, pain, discharge, or bleeding
Throat infection typically causes no symptoms but may occasionally present as a sore throat
Eye infection (conjunctivitis) can result from touching infected genitals then touching the eyes

What does it feel like to have gonorrhoea?

For many, the answer is surprisingly: nothing at all. This silent nature makes regular Gonorrhoea Testing essential for sexually active individuals, particularly those with new or multiple partners.

How Gonorrhoea Spreads

Gonorrhoea is highly contagious and spreads primarily through sexual contact, including:

Vaginal intercourse
Anal intercourse
Oral sex
Sharing sex toys that haven’t been washed or covered with a new condom

It’s important to understand that:

You can contract gonorrhoea even if your partner doesn’t ejaculate
The bacteria cannot survive long outside the body, making transmission through toilet seats or sharing towels extremely unlikely
Pregnant women can pass the infection to their baby during childbirth, potentially causing eye infections, joint infections, or blood infections in the newborn

Diagnosis and Testing

If you suspect you might have gonorrhoea or have been intimate with someone diagnosed with the infection, seeking Gonorrhoea Testing promptly is essential.

Testing Methods Include:

Urine Sample: Primarily used for men, this non-invasive test can detect the presence of the bacteria.
Swab Tests: These involve taking samples from potentially infected areas:
For women: vagina or cervix
For men: inside the penis (urethra)

For either gender: throat, rectum, or eyes if exposure is suspected

Modern nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) have made Gonorrhoea Testing more accurate and convenient than ever before. At Park Private Clinic, we offer confidential testing in a discrete, non-judgmental environment.

When to Get Tested:

After unprotected sex with a new partner
If you or your partner experience symptoms
If you’ve been notified that a sexual partner has gonorrhoea
If you’re planning to start a new relationship
As part of regular sexual health check-ups, especially for those with multiple partners

Treatment Options

The good news is that gonorrhoea is treatable with antibiotics. However, the bacteria have developed resistance to many antibiotics over time, making it essential that Gonorrhoea Treatment follows the latest guidelines.

Current Treatment Approach:

Gonorrhoea Treatment typically involves a single injection of an antibiotic (usually ceftriaxone)
In some cases, this may be combined with an antibiotic tablet (azithromycin)
The specific Gonorrhoea Treatment protocol may vary based on:
- Location of the infection (genital, rectal, throat)
- Antibiotic resistance patterns in your area
- Any allergies you may have
- Pregnancy status

After Treatment:

You should avoid sexual activity for 7 days after completing treatment
All recent sexual partners should be notified and encouraged to get tested
A follow-up test (test of cure) is recommended 2-4 weeks after treatment to ensure the infection has cleared

What can you expect from treatment? With the correct antibiotics, gonorrhoea typically clears up within a week. However, any damage already caused by the infection may be permanent, which is why early Gonorrhoea Testing and treatment are crucial.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you notice any unusual symptoms in your genital area or have concerns about possible exposure to gonorrhoea, it’s advisable to seek medical attention promptly. Early Gonorrhoea Testing and treatment can help:

Prevent the development of complications
Reduce the risk of transmission to partners
Address any concerns about potential long-term health effects

Finding the time for health check-ups can be challenging in our busy lives, but investing in your sexual health should be a priority. At Park Private Clinic, we offer flexible appointment times for Gonorrhoea Testing and treatment, ensuring that quality care fits into your schedule.

How to Get Tested

Gonorrhoea Testing is available at Park Private Clinic in Nottingham. Our experienced healthcare professionals provide discreet testing and effective treatment options in a comfortable, non-judgmental environment.