Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is an STD that tends to spread rapidly between bodies. It is transmitted through mucous membranes, so anal, vaginal and oral sex without protection are common routes. It can also sneak across via sex toys that are shared without being cleaned. Even fingers that have been in contact with cock, pussy or ass can spread gonorrhea. And yes, it doesn't care who you are or what you like - anyone can get it.

Symptoms

Gonorrhea can be localized in the genitals, throat or buttocks. In rare cases, gonorrhea can also be found in the eyes. The symptoms of gonorrhea can vary greatly, and sometimes you don't notice anything at all. But when it does show up, it can be concerning:

• Sweating when you pee.
• Discharge from cock, ass or pussy - sometimes yellow or green.
• pain or swelling of the testicles
• Sore throat if you got the infection through oral sex.

Testing

Testing is super important if you suspect gonorrhea. You can get tested for free at STI clinics, health centers or youth clinics. How you are tested depends on how you have sex - it can be a urine sample, anal or vaginal sample, or a throat sample if you have had oral sex. Therefore, it is important to tell them how you have had sex so that staff do not miss taking any samples. 

Gonorrhea can sometimes be tested after a few days, but you should wait at least a week after a suspected case for more reliable results. The sooner you get tested, the sooner you can get treatment and avoid spreading the infection further.

Treatment

Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics. It is important that you complete the treatment and avoid sex until the doctor says you are free of infection. And don't forget to notify your previous sexual partners - it's responsible and helps stop the spread. If you find this difficult, the staff at the clinic can help you with this.  Treatment for gonorrhea is always free. 

How to protect yourself

Safer sex is key to reducing the risk of gonorrhea:

• Use condoms to reduce the risk of gonorrhea.
• Clean sex toys thoroughly between partners and use condoms on them.
• Get tested regularly if you have multiple partners or new sexual contacts. Whether you have used a condom or not. 
• Talk to your partners about testing and protection. It is a good way to build trust and confidence.

Protecting yourself is about making sex more enjoyable and safer for everyone involved - and who doesn't want that?