Gonorrhea is a common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI). The most recognizable gonorrhea symptoms are painful or burning urination and unusual discharge from the penis or vagina, though many people have no symptoms at all. It is diagnosed with a urine sample or swab and cured with antibiotics.
What is gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is an infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is one of the most frequently reported STIs and can affect the genitals, rectum, throat and eyes. It passes between people through vaginal, anal or oral sex, and a pregnant person can pass it to their baby during delivery.
Because it shares symptoms with other infections, gonorrhea is often confused with chlamydia. The two frequently occur together, and testing is the only way to tell them apart.
Gonorrhea symptoms
A key challenge with gonorrhea is that it is often silent. Not everyone with the infection develops symptoms — the CDC notes that gonorrhea frequently causes no symptoms, particularly in women — which is why testing matters even when you feel well. When symptoms do appear, the NHS notes they usually develop within about two weeks of exposure, though they can sometimes take much longer.
Symptoms in men
- A burning sensation when urinating
- White, yellow or green discharge from the penis
- Pain or swelling in the testicles (less common)
Symptoms in women
- A change in vaginal discharge, often yellow or greenish
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Bleeding between periods or after sex
- Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
For a broader comparison, see our guides to common STI symptoms in women and common STI symptoms in men.
How gonorrhea is tested
Testing is quick, and you can be tested even without symptoms. A healthcare provider will choose the sample type based on where you may have been exposed.
- Urine sample — the most common test for genital infection
- Swab — taken from the cervix, urethra, throat or rectum depending on sexual history
- Self-collected swabs — offered at many clinics and through some at-home test kits
Because a throat or rectal infection can be missed by a urine test alone, testing at every anatomic site of possible sexual exposure gives the most accurate picture. If you are unsure what to ask for, our STI testing guide explains how the process works and when to get tested.
How gonorrhea is treated
Gonorrhea is curable. The standard treatment is a single dose of antibiotics, usually given as an injection (commonly ceftriaxone), sometimes with a tablet. It is essential to take all prescribed medication exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.
A few important points about treatment:
- Avoid sex until you and your partner(s) have completed treatment and any advised follow-up tests show the infection has cleared — usually about a week after starting treatment.
- Tell recent partners so they can be tested and treated, even if they have no symptoms.
- Return for follow-up if advised; the NHS recommends a repeat test to confirm the infection has cleared.
- Get retested in about three months, because reinfection is common.
Antibiotic resistance
Gonorrhea is increasingly resistant to several antibiotics, which is why current guidelines rely on a specific recommended treatment and why taking your full course of medication exactly as prescribed matters. If symptoms persist after treatment, return to your provider promptly.
Preventing gonorrhea
You can lower your risk with consistent, evidence-based steps:
- Use condoms or dental dams correctly for vaginal, anal and oral sex
- Test regularly, especially with new or multiple partners
- Have open conversations with partners about testing
- Complete treatment and partner notification if you test positive
Our guide to how to prevent STIs covers these strategies in more detail. You can also explore the full STIs and testing topic hub for related conditions.
The bottom line
Gonorrhea is a common, curable STI that often produces no symptoms — making routine testing the safest way to protect your health and your partners'. When symptoms do appear, burning urination and unusual discharge are the most typical signs. A simple urine test or swab confirms the diagnosis, and a single course of antibiotics usually clears it. If you notice symptoms or have had a possible exposure, see a healthcare provider, complete the full treatment, and follow up as advised.
