Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are more common than you might think, and gonorrhoea is one of the most prevalent ones in the UK. According to recent reports from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), cases have been steadily rising, particularly among young adults in urban areas like London. Despite its prevalence, there’s a lot of misinformation floating around about how gonorrhoea spreads. This blog aims to clear up those misconceptions by separating fact from fiction. Whether you’re sexually active or just curious, understanding the truth about this infection can help protect your health and that of others.

What Is Gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea is caused by a sneaky little bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It doesn’t discriminate—it affects both men and women—but it does so in slightly different ways. In men, symptoms often include pain while urinating, unusual discharge from the penis, and sometimes swelling or tenderness in the testicles. Women may experience similar discomfort during urination, abnormal vaginal discharge, or irregular bleeding between periods. However, here’s the kicker: many people, especially women, don’t show any symptoms at all, which makes gonorrhoea even trickier to detect.

The bacteria target warm, moist areas of the body, such as the genitals, rectum, throat, and occasionally the eyes. Left untreated, gonorrhoea can lead to serious complications, including infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, and an increased risk of contracting HIV. That’s why early testing and treatment are crucial—not just for your own well-being but also to prevent spreading the infection to others.

How Gonorrhoea Actually Spreads

Let’s get down to brass tacks: how does gonorrhoea actually spread? The primary mode of transmission is through unprotected sexual contact with someone who has the infection. This includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex. If you’re engaging in these activities without using protection, you’re putting yourself at risk.

Another lesser-known way gonorrhoea spreads is through sharing sex toys. If a toy isn’t cleaned properly or protected with a condom before being passed between partners, it can carry the bacteria. Think of it like borrowing someone else’s toothbrush—yuck!

Lastly, pregnant women with untreated gonorrhoea can pass the infection to their babies during childbirth. This can result in serious eye infections or other health issues for the newborn. Thankfully, routine prenatal care usually catches and treats these infections before delivery.

Regular sexual health screenings play a vital role in prevention. They allow doctors to catch infections early, even when symptoms aren’t obvious, keeping both you and your partners safe.

Common Myths About Gonorrhoea Transmission

Now let’s tackle some of the myths that keep circulating about gonorrhoea. These misunderstandings can lead to unnecessary fear—or worse, complacency.

Myth 1: You Can Get Gonorrhoea From Kissing

Many people wonder, can gonorrhea be spread through kissing? The answer is no. While deep or open-mouth kissing can transmit other infections like herpes or syphilis in rare cases, gonorrhoea requires direct contact with infected bodily fluids—typically semen, vaginal fluid, or rectal secretions. Casual or even passionate kissing alone does not transmit gonorrhoea.

Myth 2: You Can Catch It From Toilet Seats or Towels

Relax—you’re not going to pick up gonorrhoea from sitting on a public toilet seat or borrowing a towel. The bacteria need specific conditions to survive outside the human body, and casual surfaces just don’t cut it.

Myth 3: It Only Affects People With Multiple Partners

Wrong again! Anyone who has unprotected sex—even once—can contract gonorrhoea. Having multiple partners increases the risk, sure, but monogamous relationships aren’t foolproof either if one partner has been exposed elsewhere.

Myth 4: Symptoms Always Appear Right Away

Not true. Many people carry gonorrhoea without showing symptoms for weeks—or ever. This “silent” nature is part of what makes the infection so stealthy and dangerous.

Myth 5: You Can’t Get Gonorrhoea Through Oral Sex

Unfortunately, oral sex is absolutely a risk factor. Gonorrhoea can infect the throat, leading to soreness or difficulty swallowing, though many cases remain asymptomatic. Using protection during oral sex reduces this risk significantly.

How to Protect Yourself

Prevention is always better than cure, and protecting yourself against gonorrhoea is straightforward:

1. Use Protection: Condoms and dental dams act as barriers during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. They’re cheap, effective, and widely available.
2. Clean Your Toys: If you use sex toys, wash them thoroughly with soap and water after each use. Covering them with condoms adds an extra layer of safety.
3. Get Tested Regularly: Make STI screenings a habit, especially if you’ve started seeing a new partner or had unprotected sex recently. Testing every six months is a good rule of thumb for sexually active individuals.
4. Communicate Openly: Talking about sexual health with your partner(s) might feel awkward, but it’s worth it. Transparency builds trust and helps ensure everyone stays healthy.

When to Get Tested

If you’ve had unprotected sex, experienced symptoms, or learnt that a partner tested positive for an STI, it’s time to book a test. Even if nothing seems amiss, regular check-ups are key to catching infections early. In London, private and NHS clinics make getting tested convenient and discreet. Some services even provide home testing kits, allowing you to screen yourself in the comfort of your flat.

Treatment and Recovery

The good news? Gonorrhoea is treatable. A course of antibiotics prescribed by your GP or a sexual health clinic will clear the infection. But—and this is important—you must finish the entire course, even if symptoms disappear quickly. Stopping early risks leaving behind lingering bacteria that could develop resistance to medications.

During treatment, avoid all sexual activity until follow-up tests confirm the infection is gone. This protects your partner(s) and ensures you don’t inadvertently reinfect yourself.

Conclusion

To sum it up, gonorrhoea spreads through sexual contact—not casual touch, kissing, or shared towels. By debunking myths and arming ourselves with accurate information, we can reduce stigma and promote healthier choices. Remember, regular testing, safe sex practices, and open communication are your best defences against this common yet preventable STI.

So, if you’re due for a check-up or have concerns about potential exposure, don’t hesitate. Book an appointment today. Your future self will thank you!