Publication date: 04/25/2024 at 4:22 PM
The number of young people with gonorrhea is increasing significantly. The increase can generally be seen among all heterosexual youth under the age of 25. In 2023 there were 31% more gonorrhea infections than in 2022. That is why we are making an extra appeal: Have you had sex without a condom? And are you unsure whether your sex partner has an STD? Get tested!
What is gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is an STD. You can get gonorrhea from having sex without a condom with someone who has gonorrhea. Gonorrhea does not always cause symptoms, but it can. Men have complaints more often (90%) than women (30% – 60%). The complaints are often mild, but annoying. You can pass on gonorrhea even without any complaints.
What do you notice about a gonorrhea infection?
- Usually no complaints. That is why it is so important to get tested.
- White-yellowish or green fluid from the penis, or more fluid (discharge from the vagina)
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating
- Pain and blood from the vagina during or after sex
- Intermittent blood loss
- Itching near the anus, if someone has had anal sex
- Blood or mucus in the stool, if someone has had anal sex
If you do not treat gonorrhea in time, serious complaints can arise. Consider inflammation of the epididymis or prostate in men and pelvic inflammatory disease, reduced fertility and ectopic pregnancy in women.
Prevent gonorrhea
- Using a condom is one way to prevent an STD.
- Have you had unsafe sex or do you have changing sex partners? Take an STD test.
