People can get gonorrhea even if they’ve had it before. Having it previously does not mean you’re immune to re-infection.
Gonorrhea can be transmitted through genital, anal and oral sex with someone who has the infection. It can also be passed to an infant during birth.
The good news is that there are effective prevention tools, including:
- condoms and lubrication for genital and anal sex
- condoms or sex dams for oral sex
- routine testing for sexually transmitted infections
- talking to partner(s) about STI testing
- effective gonorrhea treatment to clear up the infection
Some people don’t have any noticeable symptoms even when they have gonorrhea, which is why we encourage routine testing for anyone who is sexually active. A health care provider can help you come up with an STI testing schedule that is right for you. There are places all over Manitoba where you can get tested and treated for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections.
Gonorrhea can be treated. Getting treated will help you prevent serious health problems and keep you from passing it to your partner(s), but it will not make you immune to re-infection.
