Cases of gonorrhoea have soared throughout Scotland, rising by almost half in the last three years.
A total of 5641 cases of the sexually transmitted infection were diagnosed in Scotland in 2022, the highest in 10 years. The figures also represent a 49 per cent increase in cases since 2019.
The infection is caused by bacteria, spread through sexual contact. Gonnorrhoea is passed from person to person through unprotected (without a condom) vaginal, anal or oral sex. The STI can also be spread in other ways, including through eyes and even child birth. Most diagnoses were in men, with infections found in more than double the number of males compared to females.
Infections were also found more commonly in younger people, with 77 per cent of females diagnosed in 2022 under the age of 25. Public Health Scotland (PHS)believes the rise may be partly due to the rapid rise in testing levels.
But what are the signs and symptoms to look out for and how is the infection spread? Here is everything you need to know?
What are the symptoms of gonorrhoea?
Many people with the infection will not notice any symptoms at all.
If symptoms are present, they will usually show up between one and 14 days after coming into contact with the infection.
According to NHS Inform, symptoms of gonorrhoea may include:
- green or yellow fluid coming out of the penis
- pain or a burning sensation when peeing
- discomfort and swelling of the testicles
- increased discharge from the vagina
- pain in the lower tummy, particularly during sex
- bleeding in between periods or after sex
Gonorrhoea can also infect the throat, anus or eyes. You may experience pain or discharge in these areas if there is an infection. Gonorrhoea in the throat usually has no symptoms.
How is gonorrhoea spread?
According to NHS Inform, gonorrhoea can be passed from an infected person through:
- unprotected vaginal sex
- unprotected anal sex
- unprotected oral sex
- sharing sex toys that aren't washed or covered with a new condom each time they're used
- infected semen or vaginal fluid getting into your eye
- it can also be passed to a newborn during childbirth
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