What Is Gonorrhoea?
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium
Neisseria gonorrhoeae,
which can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat.
In Singapore, gonorrhoea remains a major public health concern, ranking among the
top three most commonly reported STIs in 2018.
| Sexually Transmitted Infection | Number of Reported Cases |
|---|---|
| Chlamydia | 2,719 |
| Gonorrhoea | 2,051 |
| Syphilis | 1,441 |
| Genital Warts | 935 |
| Genital Herpes | 878 |
Source: National Skin Centre
How Does Gonorrhoea Spread?
Gonorrhoea spreads through unprotected sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who is infected.
The bacteria can infect the mucous membranes of the genitals, rectum, throat, or eyes.
It can also be passed from a pregnant person to their baby during delivery, which may lead to eye infections in newborns.
Gonorrhoea Symptoms
Gonorrhoea can cause different symptoms in men and women, and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all, which makes the infection easy to miss. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Thick, yellow, green, or blood-tinged discharge from the penis or vagina
- Pain or burning sensation during urination
- Unusual vaginal bleeding or increased discharge
- Swollen or painful testicles in men
- Lower abdominal discomfort
How Long Does It Take For Gonorrhoea to Show Up?
Gonorrhoea symptoms typically emerge between 1 to 14 days after exposure to the bacteria.
In some people, signs may appear sooner, while in others, they may take longer or never surface at all.
Even without symptoms, someone with gonorrhoea can still spread the infection to others.
If you have any signs or think you may have been exposed, it is important to see a doctor for testing,
as this is the only way to confirm whether you are infected.
