Gonorrhoea is an infectious disease caused by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoea. It can be painful and can cause serious health problems such as infertility in both men and women. Gonorrhoea is a bacterium that can grow easily in the warm, moist areas of a female’s reproductive system including the cervix, uterus and fallopian tubes. It also grows in the urethra, mouth, throat, eyes and anus of both males and females.

Gonorrhoea is the second most common bacterial STI in the UK. Young men and women are affected most – the highest rates of gonorrhoea are seen in women aged 16-19 and men aged 20-24.

Gonorrhoea is transmitted through unprotected sex, including vaginal, anal and oral sex, and also by sharing sex toys that have not been covered or washed. Gonorrhoea can still be passed on via fluids even if the man does not ejaculate. Infected mothers can also transmit gonorrhoea to their baby during birth, which can cause inflammation of the eyes.- although this can be easily treated with antibiotics.

Gonorrhoea can be treated with antibiotics, but like most STIs, other complications result from long term untreated/repeated infections. Gonorrhoea can lead to infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Confidante Home testing kit is made by Randox Health.