Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is a common bacterial STI amongst guys who have sex with guys, and it can infect the urethra (penis or front hole), your arse, throat or eyes.
How is gonorrhoea transmitted?
Gonorrhoea is passed on through:
- Oral sex
- Fucking or getting fucked
- Fingering and fisting, if your hands have come into contact with infected bodily fluids
How to tell if I have gonorrhoea?
If you have a gonorrhoea infection, it’s fairly common not to show any symptoms at all. However, even though symptoms are not present, you’re still contagious. That’s why it’s important to regularly get tested for STIs if you’re sexually active.
Symptoms can take up to two weeks before they become noticeable. The most common symptoms include:
- Swelling or pain in or near your balls
- Itchiness and pain during bowel movements
- Discharge or bleeding from your arse
- An unusual discharge from the urethra (penis or front hole)
- Pain or burning when pissing
- Swelling or redness near the tip of your cock
If you get gonorrhoea in your eyes, the symptoms are generally pain and discharge from your eyes.
How to test for gonorrhoea?
Generally, you will be asked to provide a urine sample, and a swab of your throat and arse taken. Getting tested is available at a range of places such as your doctor or sexual health clinic. Find your nearest sexual health clinic in NSW here.
Alternatively, if you are in Sydney you can book a test at a[TEST] which is a fast, free and confidential rapid HIV testing and STI screening service for gay guys. Keep in mind that a[TEST] is an asymptomatic clinic, which means an STI test won’t be performed if you’re showing symptoms and they cannot provide you with treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms of gonorrhoea visit your sexual health clinic to speak to a healthcare professional.
How can I get treated?
To treat gonorrhoea, you will be prescribed antibiotics. If you have been diagnosed with gonorrhoea it’s a good idea to let your recent sexual partner(s) know so they can also be tested, and if diagnosed, be treated. You should also avoid having sex for at least seven days to make sure the infection has cleared.
How can I prevent transmission?
We’re glad you asked. The most effective way to reduce the risk of getting gonorrhoea if you’re fucking or getting fucked is by using a condom. It’s important to note that condoms might not always protect the infected area, and if you’re having oral sex and not using a condom, gonorrhoea can still be passed on.
What if I’m HIV positive?
If you’re poz and you’re on treatment, gonorrhea will not affect you any differently than it would for a neg guy. However if you’re a poz guy with gonorrhoea and you are not on HIV treatment, gonorrhoea can increase the risk of HIV transmission to your HIV negative sexual partner(s). So, for added protection it’s always a good idea to use condoms to ensure you and your partner(s) stay safe.
If I’m on PrEP how will gonorrhoea affect me?
PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV, however it does not provide protection against gonorrhoea. If you would like added protection against gonorrhoea, consider also using condoms and plenty of lube as part of your safe sex mix.
FAST FACTS ABOUT GONORRHOEA
- Gonorrhoea can be transmitted through fucking, getting fucked, oral sex, arse play, fingering and fisting
- Transmission can happen even when no symptoms are present
- If you have symptoms, they can affect your general well-being and health
- Gonorrhoea can affect anyone of any age
- Gonorrhoea can occur more than once in a person
- The best way to avoid getting gonorrhoea is by using condoms whenever you have sexual contact with another guy