What is gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae.  Neisseria gonorrhoeae can cause inflammation of the urethra, cervix, rectum, and throat.

The bacteria is transmitted through contact between mucous membranes, and the risk of infection is highest after unprotected sexual intercourse or unprotected oral sex. Gonorrhea can also be transmitted through deep kissing. It is possible to get gonorrhea more than once.

Symptoms usually develop 3–7 days after infection.

What are the symptoms?

No symptoms

• You can have gonorrhea without having symptoms. A swab sent for laboratory testing can detect the infection.
• Even if you do not have symptoms, treatment is required if a test is positive for gonorrhea.

Symptoms from the urethra

• Yellow discharge from the urethra
• Burning sensation during urination
• Bleeding from the urethra

Symptoms from the vagina

• Vaginal discharge
• Burning and pain
• Bleeding during or after sexual intercourse

Symptoms from the throat, rectum, eyes, etc.

• Gonorrhea infection in the rectum can cause pain and discharge from the rectum.
• If infected secretions come into contact with the eyes, conjunctivitis (eye infection) may develop.
• Gonorrhea in the throat rarely causes symptoms, but irritation and sore throat may occur.
• In rare cases, gonorrhea may present with joint pain and swollen joints.

Complications of gonorrhea

Gonorrhea infection can spread to the ovaries and cause pelvic inflammatory disease. Symptoms may include discharge, severe pelvic pain, and fever. If left untreated, permanent damage to the ovaries may occur, which can reduce fertility (infertility).

The infection can spread to the epididymis. Symptoms may include swelling and tenderness on one side of the scrotum. In severe cases, the infection can reduce men’s ability to father children.

Untreated gonorrhea infection of the eyes can cause permanent eye damage.

Pregnant women and newborns

If gonorrhea in the cervix and urethra is untreated during pregnancy, the baby may become infected during delivery. The newborn can develop gonorrhea in the eyes, which, if untreated, can permanently damage vision.

How is gonorrhea diagnosed?

It can take up to one week from the time of infection before gonorrhea can be reliably detected.

Gonorrhea can be diagnosed using several methods. If symptoms such as discharge from the urethra or cervix are present, the bacteria can often be identified by examining secretions under a microscope. In addition, samples are always sent for laboratory testing.

How is the treatment administered?

Treatment consists of an injection of an antibiotic called ceftriaxone, administered into each buttock.

If you are allergic to medications or local anesthetics, you must inform the doctor. You are required to remain under observation at the clinic for 20 minutes after the injection.

Follow-up after treatment

To ensure that the treatment has been effective, you should be tested again 14 days after treatment.

When are you no longer contagious?

It may take up to one week before you are no longer contagious. Therefore, you should avoid sexual contact and deep kissing for one week after treatment.

Sexual partners should be tested

Gonorrhea is highly contagious, and it is important that your sexual partners are informed that they may have been exposed and should therefore be tested.

The clinic can provide guidance on how to inform your current and previous partners.

Possible side effects of treatment

Most people experience soreness at the injection site. In rare cases, gastrointestinal discomfort may occur.

Allergic reactions such as skin rash or hives are rare. For this reason, you must remain under observation at the clinic for 20 minutes after the injection.