Gonorrhea is one of those sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) infections that many of us have heard about but might not know much about beyond the name.

It’s more common than you might think, and understanding what it is, how it presents, and how to treat and prevent it is crucial for a healthy and happy sex life. 

Below, we dive into what gonorrhea is, the signs and symptoms you should watch out for, and what steps to take if you suspect you have it.

What is gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It primarily infects the warm, moist areas of the body, including the cervix, urethra, rectum, throat, and even the eyes. It’s a highly contagious infection and spreads through sexual contact with someone who has the infection. This can include: 

  • Vaginal sex 
  • Anal sex
  • Oral sex
  • Sharing sex toys that haven’t been washed or covered with a condom.

Gonorrhea can also be passed on to a newborn during childbirth.

Gonorrhea is quite common in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s the second most commonly reported bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the country. It’s especially prevalent among young people aged 15-24 years. 

Gonorrhea symptoms

Gonorrhea can sometimes be sneaky, as many people with the infection don’t have any obvious symptoms, especially in the early stages. However, when symptoms do appear, they can vary depending on the site of infection.

Common symptoms of gonorrhea include:

  • Unusual discharge: One of the most noticeable signs is yellow or green discharge that might have a foul odor.
  • Painful urination: A burning sensation when peeing, along with a frequent need to pee, is a common symptom and can often be mistaken for a urinary tract infection (UTI).
  • Bleeding between periods: Some women experience spotting or bleeding between menstrual cycles.
  • Abdominal or pelvic pain: Lower abdominal or pelvic pain can occur, which might be mild or severe.

Gonorrhea can also affect your anus via unprotected anal sex, and your throat via unprotected oral sex. Other sites of infection can also present symptoms:

  • Rectal infections: Symptoms may include discharge, anal itching, soreness, bleeding, or painful bowel movements.
  • Throat infections: Throat infections are often asymptomatic but can cause a sore throat.
  • Eye infections: If gonorrhea infects the eyes, it can cause redness, itching, and discharge.

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Treatment for gonorrhea

Dealing with a gonorrhea infection is typically straightforward. Your healthcare provider will provide you with oral antibiotics to treat the infection. The treatment might involve taking a single dose or a week-long course, depending on what's best for you. It's really important to stick with the full course of treatment.

Sometimes, though, oral antibiotics may not be enough due to the emergence of new, antibiotic-resistant strains of gonorrhea. In these cases, the CDC recommends a single intramuscular injection of the antibiotic ceftriaxone. Your doctor will help you figure out which treatment option is best for you and whether antibiotic resistance might be a concern.

It’s crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms go away to ensure the infection is fully treated. After completing the treatment, it's best to wait seven days before having sex again and then get re-tested three months after the initial infection.

It’s also important for your sexual partners to get treated, too, to prevent passing the infection back and forth between you or other people. Your doctor may also provide medication for both you and your sexual partner.

When caught early, gonorrhea won't cause any long-term issues. However, if left untreated, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to fertility issues, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pain. Rarely, untreated gonorrhea can spread through the bloodstream and cause life-threatening infections in other parts of the body.

It can also affect pregnant women, potentially causing complications like premature birth and low birth weight. The good news is that there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your baby. Your healthcare provider can provide the right tests and treatment, so it's essential to reach out to them as soon as possible. 

Can I prevent gonorrhea?

There’s no guaranteed way to prevent sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea fully, but there are a few crucial things you can do to drastically reduce your risk of contracting one: 

  • Safe sex: Using condoms and dental dams correctly and consistently during vaginal, anal, and oral sex significantly reduces the risk of gonorrhea and other STIs. Unprotected sex is the biggest risk factor for gonorrhea.
  • Regular screening: Routine STI tests are essential, especially if you’re sexually active with new or multiple partners. Early detection can prevent complications and reduce the spread of the infection. You should get tested for gonorrhea and other STIs at least once a year if you’re in a monogamous relationship, or after having sex with a new partner.

Gonorrhea is a common and treatable STI, but prevention is always better than treatment. If you notice any symptoms, don’t hesitate to see your healthcare provider. 

FAQ

What is the first noticeable sign of gonorrhea?

The first noticeable sign of a gonorrhea infection in women is often an increase in vaginal discharge. The discharge might be yellowish or greenish and could have a strong or foul odor. However, some women with gonorrhea might not experience symptoms at first. When symptoms do show up, they could include pain or a burning sensation when going to the bathroom, vaginal bleeding between periods, and pain. Since gonorrhea can have subtle symptoms or no symptoms at all, sexually active individuals need to get regular STI screenings. This way, you can catch any issues early and get the right treatment.

What does gonorrhea look like on a person?

Unlike some sexually transmitted diseases — like genital herpes or warts — gonorrhea doesn’t cause noticeable changes to the genitals. Symptoms in women include unusual vaginal discharge, a burning feeling when peeing, vaginal bleeding, and pain. If gonorrhea infects the eyes, it can cause some redness, but other than that it’s not really possible to “see” gonorrhea on a person. 

How can I check if I have gonorrhea?

To check if you have gonorrhea, you can visit your healthcare provider for an STI test, which typically involves a urine sample or a vaginal swab. Additionally, you can take Evvy’s at-home STI test which allows you to collect a sample in the privacy of your home and send it to a lab for analysis. If you suspect you have gonorrhea or if you receive a positive result from an at-home test, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider for confirmation and to discuss treatment options.

Does gonorrhea go away on its own?

No, gonorrhea doesn't clear up on its own. It's a bacterial infection that needs antibiotics to be effectively cured. Without proper treatment, it can lead to serious health issues such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and a higher risk of getting other STIs, including HIV. Also, untreated gonorrhea can cause long-term damage to the reproductive system. If you think you contracted gonorrhea or have been exposed to it, it's important to seek medical help and follow the prescribed treatment to make sure you make a full recovery and avoid further health problems.