Gonorrhea
What is Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This bacterial infection primarily affects the urethra, cervix, rectum, and throat. It spreads through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner.
The infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the United States. More than 700,000 cases are reported each year. Many people carry the infection without knowing it because symptoms can be mild or absent.
Left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious health problems. In women, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which may result in infertility. In men, it can lead to epididymitis, a painful condition affecting the testicles. Regular testing is the best way to catch this infection early.
Symptoms
- Painful or burning sensation when urinating
- Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
- Discharge that may be white, yellow, or green in color
- Painful or swollen testicles in men
- Vaginal bleeding between periods in women
- Rectal discharge, itching, or bleeding
- Sore throat if infection is in the throat
- Pain during sexual intercourse
Many people with gonorrhea have no symptoms at all, especially in the early stages. Women are more likely to be asymptomatic than men. This makes regular testing essential for sexually active people, even when feeling healthy.
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Causes and risk factors
Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which spreads through sexual contact. You can contract the infection through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner. The bacteria thrive in warm, moist areas of the body including the reproductive tract, urethra, rectum, and throat.
Risk factors include having multiple sexual partners, not using condoms consistently, having a history of other sexually transmitted infections, and being between ages 15 and 24. A previous gonorrhea infection does not provide immunity. You can get infected again even after successful treatment. Partners of infected individuals have a high risk of contracting the infection during unprotected sex.
How it's diagnosed
Gonorrhea is diagnosed through laboratory testing of samples from infected areas. The most accurate test detects the genetic material, or RNA, of the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium. Urine samples can be used for urogenital infections. Swabs from the throat or rectum may be needed for infections in those areas.
Rite Aid offers confidential gonorrhea testing as an add-on to our preventive health panel. Testing is available at Quest Diagnostics locations nationwide. Results typically arrive within a few days. Early detection allows for prompt treatment and helps prevent spread to partners and long-term complications.
Treatment options
- Antibiotic injections are the standard treatment for gonorrhea
- Oral antibiotics may be prescribed in combination with injections
- Treatment typically involves a single dose or short course of medication
- Sexual partners must be notified and treated to prevent reinfection
- Abstain from sexual activity for at least 7 days after treatment
- Follow-up testing may be needed to confirm the infection is cleared
- Use condoms consistently to prevent future infections
- Get tested regularly if you have multiple sexual partners
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- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
The first signs often include painful urination and unusual discharge from the genitals. Symptoms typically appear 2 to 14 days after exposure. However, many people have no early symptoms at all. This is why testing is so important for sexually active individuals.
Testing involves analyzing a urine sample or swab from the infected area. The test detects the genetic material of the gonorrhea bacterium. Urine tests are non-invasive and highly accurate. Results are usually available within a few days.
No, gonorrhea will not go away without antibiotic treatment. Untreated infections can persist for months or years. During this time, you can spread the infection to partners and develop serious complications. Antibiotics clear the infection quickly and effectively.
Treatment typically involves a single antibiotic injection. Some cases may require oral antibiotics as well. Most people are cured within a few days of treatment. You should avoid sexual activity for at least 7 days after completing treatment.
Yes, many people with gonorrhea have no symptoms at all. Women are especially likely to be asymptomatic. Even without symptoms, you can spread the infection to partners. Regular testing is the only way to detect silent infections.
Untreated gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease in women, leading to infertility and chronic pain. In men, it can cause epididymitis and infertility. The infection can spread to joints and cause arthritis. It also increases the risk of contracting and spreading HIV.
Use latex condoms correctly during every sexual encounter. Limit your number of sexual partners and choose partners who have been tested. Get tested regularly if you are sexually active. Avoid sexual contact with anyone who has symptoms or a known infection.
The infection itself is cured by antibiotics and does not recur. However, you can get infected again through sexual contact with an infected partner. Previous infection does not provide immunity. This is why partner treatment and safe sex practices are essential.
Anyone who is sexually active should consider regular testing. Testing is especially important if you have multiple partners, a new partner, or symptoms. Annual screening is recommended for sexually active women under 25. Men who have sex with men should be tested more frequently.
Some strains of gonorrhea have developed resistance to certain antibiotics. This is why healthcare providers now use combination therapy with multiple antibiotics. Current treatment protocols remain effective for most infections. Following treatment instructions exactly as prescribed helps prevent antibiotic resistance.