What Is Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can infect the genitals, rectum, throat, or eyes.
Gonorrhea often causes mild or no symptoms, especially in women, but untreated infections can lead to serious complications including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and increased risk of HIV.
What Causes Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person, including:
- Vaginal, anal, or oral sex
- From mother to baby during childbirth (rare)
- Unprotected sex or multiple sexual partners
What Are the Common Symptoms of Gonorrhea?
You may notice:
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Discharge from the penis or vagina (yellow, green, or white)
- Bleeding between periods (women)
- Pain during sex (women)
- Testicular pain or swelling (men)
- Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding (if infected via anal sex)
- Sore throat (if infected via oral sex)
Many people, particularly women, have no symptoms, making testing important if at risk.
How Is Gonorrhea Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is usually through:
- Urine tests
- Swabs from the genitals, throat, or rectum
Online GP consultations can arrange testing and advise on self-sampling. In-person assessment may be required for accurate swabs in some cases.
How Long Does Gonorrhea Last?
- Without treatment, gonorrhea can persist and lead to complications
- Symptoms often improve within days after starting antibiotics
- Untreated infection may last months
Is Gonorrhea Contagious?
Yes. Gonorrhea is highly contagious and spreads through sexual contact. Using condoms reduces risk but does not eliminate it completely.
How to Feel Better and Recover Quickly
Self-Care at Home:
- Avoid sexual activity until treatment is complete
- Inform recent sexual partners so they can get tested
- Take the full prescribed course of antibiotics
Treatment from a GP:
- Antibiotics, usually given as an injection plus oral course depending on current guidelines
- Advice on preventing reinfection and partner notification
- Testing for other STIs
When Referral Is Needed:
- Persistent or worsening symptoms despite treatment
- Complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease or epididymitis
- Recurrent infection
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
Seek urgent care if:
- Severe abdominal, pelvic, or testicular pain
- Fever, nausea, or vomiting
- Symptoms suggesting spreading infection
- Suspected complications
How Dr.Online UK Can Help
We offer:
- Same-day online GP appointments
- Assessment, testing, and treatment for gonorrhea
- Private prescriptions for antibiotics if appropriate
- Guidance on notifying sexual partners and preventing reinfection
