Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It primarily affects mucous membranes of the genitals, rectum, throat, and eyes. It is spread through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral sex) with an infected person.
🚨 Symptoms
Symptoms can vary based on sex, infection site, and whether the person is symptomatic at all (many people don’t show symptoms).
In men:
- Burning sensation when urinating
- White, yellow, or green penile discharge
- Painful or swollen testicles (less common)
In women:
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Painful urination
- Vaginal bleeding between periods
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
Many women mistake it for a mild UTI or yeast infection.
Rectal infection:
- Discharge
- Anal itching
- Soreness or bleeding
- Painful bowel movements
Throat infection (pharyngeal gonorrhea):
- Usually asymptomatic
- Sore throat or swollen lymph nodes (sometimes)
🧪 Diagnosis
Diagnosed through:
- Urine tests
- Swabs (from cervix, urethra, throat, rectum)
- NAATs (Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests) – highly accurate
💊 Treatment
- Treated with antibiotics, usually:
- Ceftriaxone (injection)
- Sometimes with doxycycline (if chlamydia coinfection is suspected)
- Important: Sexual partners must also be treated to avoid reinfection.
Drug-resistant gonorrhea is a growing concern — follow-up may be needed to confirm cure.
⚠️ Complications (if untreated)
- Women: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), infertility, ectopic pregnancy
- Men: Epididymitis, infertility
- Both: Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) — can cause arthritis, skin lesions, or heart valve infections
🛡️ Prevention
- Use condoms or dental dams correctly and consistently
- Get regular STI screenings
- Limit sexual partners and know their STI status
- Avoid sexual activity if you or your partner have symptoms
- Inform partners if you test positive
