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What is it? Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae or gonococcus. It used to be known as "the clap".

Gonorrhoea is a less common STI in the UK than chlamydia but highest number of new diagnosis are found in young men and women aged 16-24.

If left untreated, it can lead to more serious long-term health problems and infertility (not being able to have a baby).

Typical symptoms are an unusual discharge from the vagina or penis and pain when peeing.

How do you get it? Anyone who is sexually active can contract gonorrhoea, especially people who change partners frequently or do not use a barrier method of contraception, such as a condom, when having sex.

Gonorrhoea is easily passed between people through:

• unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex, and
  
  

• sharing vibrators or other sex aids, that have not been washed or covered with a new condom each time they are used.
  
  

It can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby.

How do you test for it? Gonorrhoea can be easily diagnosed through a simple urine or swab test and treated with antibiotics. Making sure you test and treat sexual partner(s) too otherwise you can become easily re-infected.

Previous successful treatment for gonorrhoea does not make you immune from catching the infection again.