Can you get gonorrhoea from oral sex?

Yes, you can get gonorrhoea from having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has it. The bacteria can be passed from the mouth to the penis or from the penis to the mouth. Less commonly it can be passed from the vagina or anus to the mouth. The bacteria can infect the cervix (the neck of the womb), the urethra (the tube which you pass urine through) the rectum or the throat.

The best way to protect yourself from gonorrhoea is to use condoms whenever you have vaginal or anal sex and to use condoms or dental dams when you have oral sex.

If you are worried that you have gonorrhoea or any other STI you can get tested at a sexual health clinic or by ordering an online test.

Written by Dr Paula Baraitser. Medical Director, SH:24