Gonorrhoea - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention

What is Gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It spreads through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who is infected. Many people do not notice symptoms right away, which is why it’s sometimes called a “silent” infection. But left untreated, gonorrhoea can lead to serious health problems. 

Understanding the gonorrhoea meaning and how to manage it is important for your wellbeing and your partner’s too. The good news is, it’s easily diagnosed and treated when addressed early.

Gonorrhoea Symptoms

It’s common to feel worried if you think you might have gonorrhoea symptoms. The infection doesn’t always show signs at first, but when it does, they can vary between men and women. Symptoms usually appear within 2 to 7 days after exposure but can sometimes take longer.

Let’s look at how the infection typically shows up in men and women:

Symptoms of Gonorrhoea in Men

Men are often more likely to notice signs early on. If you're a man, watch out for the following:

• Painful urination – A burning or stinging feeling when you pee can be one of the earliest signs. This discomfort can become intense and persistent if left untreated.
• White, yellow, or greenish discharge from the penis – This gonorrhoea discharge is a key indicator. It may be thick or watery and often smells unusual.
• Swollen or painful testicles – Usually on one side, the testicles might feel tender or heavy.
• Itching or soreness inside the penis – An irritating sensation inside the urethra is another common symptom.
• Anal discomfort (if infected through anal sex) – This might include itching, discharge, or even slight bleeding after bowel movements.

Symptoms of Gonorrhoea in Women

Many women don’t notice symptoms or may mistake them for a urinary tract infection or yeast infection. However, signs can include:

• Unusual vaginal discharge – This may be thin or watery, often yellow or greenish, and can smell different from your normal discharge.
• Burning sensation when urinating – Pain or discomfort while peeing is a common early symptom.
• Pain during sex – You may feel pelvic pain or discomfort during or after intercourse.
• Lower abdominal pain – A dull ache in the lower stomach area can be a sign the infection is spreading.
• Bleeding between periods – This may be light spotting or heavier bleeding, particularly after sex.
• Anal symptoms – If you've had anal sex, symptoms may include itching, soreness, or discharge from the rectum.

Causes of Gonorrhoea

Understanding the gonorrhoea causes can help you make informed choices about your sexual health. The infection is mainly spread through sexual contact with an infected person.

Here are the key ways it spreads:

• Unprotected sex – This includes vaginal, anal, or oral sex without using a condom. The bacteria can easily pass through bodily fluids.
• Multiple sexual partners – Having several partners increases your risk, especially if partners aren’t regularly tested.
• Partner with untreated gonorrhoea – Even if your partner doesn’t have symptoms, they can still pass on the infection.
• Sharing sex toys – If sex toys aren’t cleaned or covered with new condoms between uses, they can carry the bacteria.
• Mother to baby during childbirth – An infected mother can pass the infection to her baby, potentially causing eye infections or other issues.
• Infected fingers or hands – Touching infected genitals and then touching your own eyes or genitals may lead to spread.

Risk Factors for Gonorrhoea

Anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhoea, but some behaviours and conditions increase your risk.

Consider these factors:

• Age under 25 – Younger people, especially teenagers and young adults, are at higher risk due to higher rates of unprotected sex.
• New or multiple partners – Changing partners frequently without consistent condom use increases exposure risk.
• Previous STIs – If you've had any STI in the past, your risk of contracting gonorrhoea is higher.
• Men who have sex with men (MSM) – Higher rates of infection are seen in this group, partly due to oral and anal sex practices.
• Lack of condom use – Not using condoms consistently during sexual activity is a major risk factor.
• Limited access to healthcare – Delays in screening or treatment can lead to more infections spreading unnoticed.

Gonorrhoea at Other Sites in the Body

Although gonorrhoea mostly affects the genitals, it can also show up in other areas. This usually happens when the infection is transmitted through oral or anal sex.

Watch for these signs:

• Throat – You might have a sore throat, but often there are no noticeable symptoms. The bacteria can live in the throat without causing pain.
• Rectum – Symptoms here can include discharge, itching, soreness, or bleeding, often mistaken for haemorrhoids.
• Eyes – Gonorrhoea in the eyes can cause redness, swelling, and pus-like discharge. This may happen from touching the eyes with infected fluids.
• Joints – Rarely, the bacteria can spread to your joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness (known as disseminated gonorrhoea).

What Happens If Gonorrhoea is Left Untreated?

If gonorrhoea symptoms are ignored, the infection can cause long-term harm. Even when symptoms seem mild or disappear on their own, the bacteria can still be active inside your body and lead to serious issues later.

The consequences differ between men and women, but both face significant risks.

Complications in Women

Women may develop serious conditions if the infection spreads beyond the cervix:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – This is a painful condition affecting the uterus and fallopian tubes. PID can lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancy.
• Chronic pelvic pain – Ongoing discomfort may persist for months or even years after the infection.
• Infertility – Gonorrhoea can scar reproductive organs, making it difficult or impossible to conceive.
• Complications during pregnancy – Infection can lead to premature birth or eye infections in the newborn.
• Increased risk of HIV – Gonorrhoea can make it easier to contract or spread HIV due to weakened mucous membranes.

Complications in Men

Men also face risks if gonorrhoea is not treated:

• Epididymitis – Inflammation of the tubes connected to the testicles, causing pain and swelling, and possibly infertility.
• Urethral stricture – Scarring in the urethra can make urination painful and slow.
• Prostate infection – The bacteria can infect the prostate gland, leading to pain and complications.
• Infertility – Ongoing infection can damage reproductive structures and affect fertility.
• Systemic infection – In rare cases, the infection can spread through the blood, affecting joints and other organs.

How are Gonorrhoea Diagnosed?

Getting tested is simple and the first step towards peace of mind. If you're experiencing gonorrhoea symptoms, or if you've been in contact with someone who tested positive, testing is strongly recommended.

Tests may include:

• Urine sample – This is commonly used for men. You’ll be asked to provide a first-catch urine sample.
• Swab test – A cotton swab may be used to collect a sample from the cervix, urethra, rectum, or throat.
• Self-swab kits – For privacy, many clinics offer kits you can use yourself at home or in the clinic.
• Partner testing – If your partner is positive, you may be asked to get tested even if you have no symptoms.

Early detection prevents complications and helps stop the infection from spreading.

How are Gonorrhoea Treated?

The good news is: yes, gonorrhoea is curable. With the right antibiotics, the infection can be cleared quickly and effectively.

Here’s what you can expect from gonorrhoea treatment:

• Single antibiotic injection or oral antibiotics – Your doctor will usually give a combination of medications to ensure effectiveness.
• No sex for seven days – To avoid spreading it to others or reinfecting yourself, abstain from sex until treatment is completed and symptoms are gone.
• Partner notification and treatment – Anyone you’ve had sexual contact with should be tested and treated to prevent reinfection.
• Retesting after treatment – Some doctors may recommend another test after a few weeks to make sure the infection is fully cleared.
• Avoiding alcohol and other meds – While taking antibiotics, avoid anything that may interfere with how they work unless your doctor says it’s okay.

Treatment is safe, effective, and essential for your health and your partner’s wellbeing.

How Long Can You Carry Gonorrhoea Without Knowing?

You can carry gonorrhoea without knowing for weeks or even months, especially if you don't have symptoms. That’s why regular testing is crucial if you're sexually active, particularly with new or multiple partners. It helps protect both your health and the health of your partners.

Prevention

Preventing gonorrhoea starts with knowledge and responsible choices. By taking the right precautions, you can greatly lower your risk.

Here’s how you can stay protected:

• Use condoms consistently – They offer strong protection when used correctly during vaginal, oral, and anal sex.
• Limit sexual partners – Fewer partners means less exposure risk.
• Get tested regularly – Regular screenings help detect infections early, especially if you have new or multiple partners.
• Avoid sharing sex toys – Always clean toys thoroughly and use fresh condoms on them between partners.
• Talk to your partner – Open conversations about STIs and testing help build trust and prevent misunderstandings.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis of gonorrhoea helps prevent serious health issues and ensures effective recovery. If you notice any gonorrhoea symptoms or have concerns, seek testing promptly. 

For accurate and confidential diagnostics, consider Metropolis Healthcare—a trusted provider with over 40 years of experience, NABL-accredited labs, and reliable home sample collection services. Prioritise your health by choosing expert care that puts your comfort first.

FAQs

Q1. How long does it take to have symptoms of gonorrhoea?

Most people develop gonorrhoea symptoms within 2 to 7 days, though some may take up to 30 days.

Q2. What doesn’t cause gonorrhoea?

You can’t get gonorrhoea from toilet seats, hugging, sharing food, or using the same towels or utensils.

Q3. How long does treatment take?

Gonorrhoea treatment usually involves a single antibiotic dose, with symptoms improving within a few days post-treatment.

Q4. How often should I get tested for gonorrhoea?

Get tested yearly if sexually active, or more often if you have new or multiple sexual partners.

Q5. Can I have sex after gonorrhoea treatment?

Wait seven days after completing treatment before having sex to avoid spreading the infection to others.

Q6. How long can you carry gonorrhoea without knowing?

You can unknowingly carry gonorrhoea for weeks or months, especially if no obvious gonorrhoea symptoms appear.

Q7. How did I get gonorrhoea if my partner doesn’t have it?

Your partner might be asymptomatic or recently infected; testing both partners is key to confirmation and treatment.