Gonorrhea

Gonorrhoea (also spelled gonorrhea) is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can infect the genitals, rectum, throat, and eyes. Untreated, gonorrhoea can cause serious complications — infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and spread to the bloodstream. In recent years, global concern has grown about antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea.

How it spreads

• Vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person
• From mother to baby during childbirth — can cause eye infection in the newborn
• Not spread by kissing, toilet seats, or sharing towels

Symptoms

Many infections have no symptoms — which is why screening matters. When symptoms occur (usually within 2 weeks):

In men:

• Pain or burning during urination
• Thick yellow or green discharge from the penis
• Pain or swelling in one testicle

In women:

• Often no symptoms
• Pain or burning during urination
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Bleeding between periods
• Pelvic pain

At other sites:

• Rectal — itching, discharge, bleeding
• Throat — sore throat, often mild or absent
• Eye — redness, discharge, pain

Complications if untreated

• In women — pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, ectopic pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain
• In men — epididymitis, infertility
• In babies — eye infection that can cause blindness; rare severe infections
• Bloodstream spread — joint infection, skin lesions, rarely meningitis or endocarditis
• Higher risk of acquiring HIV

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis through testing of urine or swabs from affected sites. Treatment is with antibiotics — but because of rising resistance, current treatment uses two antibiotics together and should always be prescribed by a doctor, not self-treated. Complete the full course. Avoid sexual contact until at least a week after you and your partner have finished treatment.

Prevention

• Condoms — consistently and correctly used
• Mutual monogamy with a known-negative partner
• Regular STI testing if you have new or multiple partners
• Treat partners — gonorrhoea is easily passed back and forth
• In pregnancy — routine antenatal STI screening catches infections that could harm the baby

STI testing is confidential at government clinics and private labs. Seeking testing is a sign of care for yourself and your partners — there is nothing to be ashamed of.