• Vaginal Discharge
• Infections
• STDs
• Sexual Health

Gonorrhea Symptoms: What to Look out for

Medically reviewed and edited by Harmony Vance, APRN

What is Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects the urinary tract, rectum, and throat.

In women, gonorrhea may also infect the cervix or reproductive tract and cause an additional vaginal infection.

This condition is usually spread through sexual contact with an infected person — through vaginal, anal, or oral sex — and can also be passed to newborns during childbirth.

If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause a number of long-term health complications like infertility and painful abscesses on the genitals.

This condition may also cause a life-threatening blood infection in newborn babies.

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What are the Symptoms of Gonorrhea?

Most people, especially females, with gonorrhea won’t show any symptoms.

Research shows that between 20 and 30% of women and 10% of men with gonorrhea are asymptomatic.

This is because the bacteria that causes gonorrhea — *Neisseria gonorrhoeae *— can live in the body without causing symptoms if the immune system is strong enough to keep it in check.

However, it’s possible that the immune system can start to weaken, which can lead to the development of symptoms.

If symptoms do appear, it’s usually within two to 14 days after infection. Common gonorrhea symptoms include:

• Pain or burning during urination

• Unusual, pus-like discharge from the penis or vagina

• Abdominal or pelvic pain

• Discomfort during sex

• Sore throat

• Anal itching and pus-like discharge

• Painful bowel movements

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Gonorrhea may also infect the eyes (gonococcal conjunctivitis), throat, or joints (septic arthritis). This can cause any of the following symptoms to develop:

• Pain and inflammation in the affected area

• Redness

• Difficulty swallowing

• Discharge from the eyes

• Swelling

• Eyes that are sensitive to light

• Sore throat

• Fever

• Stiff joints

It’s important to remember that most cases of gonorrhea don’t cause symptoms. That’s why it’s recommended to seek professional medical care if you suspect you’ve been exposed to the STI.

You can either visit a sexual health clinic or schedule a virtual consultation with LifeMD.

What are the warning signs of a gonorrhea infection?

There are usually no warning signs of a gonorrhea infection. Symptoms may take up to two weeks to appear, which also makes it difficult to detect gonorrhea early on.

Most doctors recommend getting an STI test as soon as you’ve had contact with an infected person or bodily fluids.

You should also get tested for gonorrhea and other STIs regularly if you’re sexually active — especially if you’ve had unprotected sex or have multiple sex partners.

Will Gonorrhea Symptoms Go Away on their Own?

A gonorrhea infection often requires prescription medicine. Leaving the infection untreated can also put you at a higher risk of developing other health complications.

Risk factors for untreated gonorrhea include infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and an increased risk of contracting HIV.

It’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as you develop symptoms to prevent gonorrhea from causing long-term issues.

What are the Best Ways to Relieve Gonorrhea Symptoms?

Gonorrhea symptoms can easily be managed with the right treatment. This usually includes an antibiotic injection containing ceftriaxone.

Depending on the severity of your infection, your doctor may also prescribe an oral antibiotic containing doxycycline.

These antibiotics should be prescribed by a licensed medical professional following a positive gonorrhea STI test.

Your healthcare provider may also recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medicine to alleviate symptoms like pain and discomfort.

It’s important to note that gonorrhea can’t be cured by only using OTC or home remedies. Your doctor will likely prescribe a more aggressive medicine to ensure a successful treatment.

When Should I See a Doctor About My Symptoms?

You should make an appointment with your doctor if you notice any concerning signs or symptoms.

You should also see your doctor if your partner has been diagnosed with gonorrhea, even if you're not experiencing any noticeable symptoms.

Without treatment, you may continue to carry the infection and reinfect your partner during vaginal intercourse, oral, or anal sex.

Where Can I Learn More About Gonorrhea and Other STIs?

If you suspect that you have gonorrhea or are concerned about any of your symptoms, you can speak to a board-certified physician or nurse practitioner from the comfort of your home.

Head over to LifeMD to make a telehealth appointment.

Harmony Vance, APRN

Harmony is a family nurse practitioner and has been caring for patients for over 20 years through various roles in the medical field. She graduated in 2018 with a Master's Degree and a focus on family care.

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