3 minutes read3 minutes readAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO) more than 30 different viruses, bacteria and parasites are known to be transmitted sexually. Some of these Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) can be cured and some can only be managed such as HIV.
You can have an STI without symptoms and if left untreated can have significant implications for your long-term health. Here we look at a specific STI, Gonorrhoea, and examine data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare comparing STIs and statistics specifically in males.
What is Gonorrhoea and its symptoms?
An STI like Gonorrhoea is transmitted by a bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can be contracted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The infection can be found in the throat, rectum and genital tract in males and females. It lives in the vagina and urinary tract of a female and in the penis, testes, and semen of a male.
The symptoms, which often do not show in the early stages, can include a burning sensation when urinating, painful bowel movements, and soreness in the infected areas. Men can have an unusual penile discharge and woman may experience vaginal bleeding and emit a yellowish vaginal discharge.
What happens if Gonorrhoea is left untreated?
Gonorrhoea can be treated with antibiotics but if left untreated it can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and infertility in women along with a possible ectopic pregnancy. The consequences for pregnant women are serious such as follows:
- Increased rates of miscarriage
- Pre-term birth and pre-term premature rupture of membranes
- Eye infections in new-borns which may lead to blindness
In males, it can cause inflammation and swelling of the testicles and prostate and other genital or urinary problems including reduced fertility. If you have this STI you are at higher risk of contracting another STI such as HIV.
If you test positive for Gonorrhoea it is important your partner receives treatment to prevent reinfection. This STI is extremely infectious so let us examine how it compares with other STIs.
STI infection Statistics for Males
In 2017 there were 84,436 new cases of selected notifiable STIs reported for Australian males. This accounted for more than half (56%) of all new STI cases according to the Kirby Institute in 2018.
There has been an increase in rates of Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia and Syphilis infections in 2017 compared with 2008. The rates were 4 times as high for Gonorrhoea, twice as high for Chlamydia and 3 times as high for Syphilis.
Early and regular testing, diagnosis, and treatment for STIs is crucial, especially when you consider the above information. If you are regularly tested, then you can safeguard both your sexual and overall health.
Confidential testing for STIs and HIV
If you would like a Gonorrhoea test, Chlamydia test or Syphilis test or if you have any queries about STI testing and HIV testing then please speak with one of our highly trained advisors. You can contact Better2Know, the world´s leading sexual health testing provider by phone using the number at the top of this page.
Better2Know can arrange an appointment at a sexual health clinic near you and organise private and confidential consultations and appointments. We offer a wide range of tests and comprehensive screens such as our Comfort Screen or Platinum Screen so you can obtain peace of mind about your sexual health. Your helpful and well-trained advisor is available to assist you with your sexual health concerns 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Sources
[1] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: The health of Australia´s males
