A bacterial sexually transmitted infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Review possible symptoms, contributing factors, assessment, warning signs and care o
About Gonorrhea
A bacterial sexually transmitted infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
It can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat. Like chlamydia, it often has no symptoms but can cause serious health problems if left untreated.
Gonorrhea is treatable with antibiotics, though antibiotic-resistant strains are becoming more common.
Editorial update (28 September 2026): structured medical content awaits clinical reviewer sign-off.
How assessment may be approached
Assessment may include symptom timing, fever, exposures, travel, contacts, vaccination status and medicines. Tests may identify a specific infection, but treatment decisions should match clinical urgency and local guidance.
Care can range from monitoring and fluids to prescribed treatment, infection-control measures and follow-up. Ask whether antibiotics or other medicine are actually indicated and how to prevent spread.
When to seek prompt care
Seek urgent care for stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, breathing difficulty, persistent vomiting, dehydration, rash with fever, severe weakness or rapidly worsening illness.
Symptoms
- Thick, cloudy, or bloody discharge
- Painful or burning urination
- Increased urination frequency
- Sore throat (oral infection)
- Painful, swollen testicles
- Painful bowel movements
- Anal itching
Possible causes
- Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex
- Sexual contact with infected person
- Mother to baby during delivery
Care and treatment options
- Dual antibiotic therapy (injection + oral)
- Partner notification and treatment
- Abstinence during treatment
- Test of cure after treatment
- Regular STI screening
Key points
- Second most common bacterial STI
- Can infect multiple body sites
- Increasing antibiotic resistance
- Can cause infertility
- Often occurs with chlamydia
Preparing for a consultation
- Fever readings and timing of symptoms.
- Travel, food, water, animal or contact exposures.
- Vaccination history and immune-suppressing medicines.
- Recent test results, medicines and who else may be unwell.
Questions worth asking
- Is Gonorrhea the most likely explanation for these symptoms, and what alternatives should be checked?
- Which symptoms or findings would require urgent review?
- Are medicines, underlying health problems or lifestyle factors contributing?
- What tests or examinations are needed now, and what can safely wait?
- What treatment or self-care options are reasonable, and when should I be reviewed again?
- What is the expected benefit, limit, cost and follow-up plan for the suggested care?
Related conditions
Related clinicians
Related tests
Medical information limitations
This page summarizes listed condition information and cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. Do not start, stop or change prescribed treatment based only on this page.
Common questions
What is Gonorrhea?
A bacterial sexually transmitted infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae This is general information; the name describes a possible diagnosis or clinical problem, not a personal diagnosis.
How might a clinician assess Gonorrhea?
Assessment may include symptom timing, fever, exposures, travel, contacts, vaccination status and medicines. Tests may identify a specific infection, but treatment decisions should match clinical urgency and local guidance.
What care may be discussed?
Care options listed include Dual antibiotic therapy (injection + oral), Partner notification and treatment, Abstinence during treatment, Test of cure after treatment. Which option is appropriate depends on the confirmed cause, severity, preferences and contraindications.
When should Gonorrhea be checked urgently?
Seek urgent care for stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, breathing difficulty, persistent vomiting, dehydration, rash with fever, severe weakness or rapidly worsening illness.
How should I prepare for a consultation?
Fever readings and timing of symptoms. Travel, food, water, animal or contact exposures. Vaccination history and immune-suppressing medicines. Recent test results, medicines and who else may be unwell. Bring previous reports and a current medicine list where relevant.
Can this page diagnose or treat the condition?
No. A page about Gonorrhea can help you understand possible features and questions, but it cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. A qualified clinician should assess your symptoms, history and any test results.
General information only; it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a qualified clinician’s advice.