Gonorrhea

What Is Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is usually treatable with prescription antibiotics. It is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae and can infect the genitals, rectum, throat, and (less commonly) the eyes.

Many people with gonorrhea have mild or no symptoms, which means the infection can go unnoticed and spread easily. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and increased risk of other health issues. Regular STI testing is important, even if you feel healthy.

Symptoms of Gonorrhea

A large number of people — especially women — experience no noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they typically develop within a few days to a week after exposure.

In men, symptoms may include:

• Pain or burning during urination
• White, yellow, or green discharge from the penis
• Pain or swelling in one or both testicles

In women, symptoms may include:

• Pain or burning during urination
• Increased or abnormal vaginal discharge
• Vaginal bleeding between periods

Rectal infections (common with anal sex) may cause no symptoms or may lead to anal discharge, soreness, bleeding, itching, or discomfort during bowel movements.Gonorrhea can also infect the throat (often without symptoms) through oral sex.

Complications and Effects on Other Parts of the Body

If untreated, gonorrhea can spread beyond the initial site of infection.

• Disseminated Gonococcal Infection (DGI): In rare cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and affect joints, causing pain, swelling, redness, and inflammation (gonococcal arthritis). Severe cases may lead to long-term joint damage.

• Rectal gonorrhea: Can cause ongoing discomfort and may increase the risk of acquiring or transmitting other STIs.

• Eye infections: Gonorrhea can cause conjunctivitis with redness, itching, burning, and discharge. In newborns, exposure during vaginal delivery can lead to serious eye infections (ophthalmia neonatorum) that may result in blindness if not treated promptly.

How Is Gonorrhea Transmitted?

Gonorrhea spreads through sexual contact — vaginal, anal, or oral sex — with an infected person. It can be transmitted via semen, pre-ejaculate (pre-cum), or vaginal fluids, even without ejaculation or orgasm.It can also pass from a pregnant person to their infant during vaginal childbirth, potentially causing eye infections, joint infections, or a serious bloodstream infection in the newborn. Testing and treatment during pregnancy can help prevent transmission to the baby.Gonorrhea is not spread through casual contact such as hugging, kissing, sharing towels, or toilet seats.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea, particularly if having unprotected sex or multiple partners. Higher rates are often seen among:

• Young people ages 15–24
• Individuals with new or multiple sex partners
• Men who have sex with men (MSM), especially at rectal or pharyngeal sites

Biological factors (such as cervical anatomy in younger women) and behavioral factors can influence risk.

How Common Is Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is one of the most frequently reported bacterial STIs in the United States and worldwide. Rates tend to be highest among adolescents and young adults. Public health data show that many infections go undiagnosed because of the lack of symptoms, so actual numbers may be higher than reported cases.

Recommended Screening for Gonorrhea

According to the CDC, annual screening is generally recommended for:

• Sexually active women under 25 years of age
• Women 25 and older who have risk factors (such as new or multiple sex partners or a partner with an STI)
• Pregnant individuals under 25 or at increased risk (testing at the first prenatal visit, with possible retesting in the third trimester)
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Men who have sex with men should discuss regular screening at all sites of exposure (urethra, rectum, throat) with their healthcare provider, often annually or more frequently based on risk.Retesting about 3 months after treatment is often advised to check for reinfection.

How to Prevent Gonorrhea

The most effective way to avoid gonorrhea and other STIs is to abstain from sexual activity. For those who are sexually active, risk can be reduced by:

• Using latex or polyurethane condoms correctly and consistently for vaginal, anal, or oral sex
• Using dental dams for oral-genital or oral-anal contact
• Being in a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative for STIs
• Limiting the number of sexual partners
• Having open conversations with partners about sexual health and STI testing

If you or a partner has symptoms or a recent positive test, avoid sexual activity until treatment is complete and symptoms have resolved.

Is Gonorrhea Curable?

Yes, gonorrhea is curable with the right antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider. Current recommended treatment for uncomplicated cases typically involves a single intramuscular dose of ceftriaxone (sometimes combined with treatment for chlamydia if it has not been ruled out). Treatment during pregnancy is available and helps protect both the pregnant person and the baby.

After treatment, complete the full regimen as prescribed, notify recent sexual partners so they can get tested and treated, and abstain from sex until the infection is cleared. Follow-up testing is important to confirm the infection has resolved and to screen for reinfection.

Important NoteThis information is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about gonorrhea or any STI, speak with a qualified healthcare provider. 

They can provide personalized testing, treatment, and prevention recommendations. Early detection and treatment are key to protecting your reproductive health and preventing complications.

Resources

• CDC – About Gonorrhea: https://www.cdc.gov/gonorrhea/about/index.html
• CDC STI Treatment Guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/gonorrhea-adults.htm
• CDC Screening Recommendations: https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/screening-recommendations.htm