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Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria. It can affect the genitals, rectum and throat, and often causes no symptoms — so testing is important.
Causes & risk factors
- Unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex
- Sex with a new or multiple partners without a condom
- A partner who has gonorrhoea
- Sharing sex toys
- Passed to a baby during birth
Common symptoms
- Often no symptoms, especially in women
- Thick discharge from the vagina or penis
- Pain or burning when passing urine
- Pain or swelling in the testicles
- Pelvic pain in women
- Anal discharge or discomfort
Tests & diagnosis
- Genital, throat or rectal swab
- Urine test
- Testing for other STIs alongside
Treatment & management
- Antibiotic treatment prescribed by a doctor
- Avoiding sex until treatment is complete
- Testing and treating recent partners
- A follow-up test to confirm the infection has cleared
- Using condoms to prevent reinfection
When to see a doctor urgently
- Unusual genital discharge or pain passing urine
- If a partner tells you they have gonorrhoea
- For confidential testing after unprotected sex
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about gonorrhoea. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Why is a follow-up test important for gonorrhoea?
Some strains of gonorrhoea have become resistant to certain antibiotics. A follow-up test (test of cure) helps make sure the treatment has worked.
Can gonorrhoea affect the throat?
Yes. It can infect the throat through oral sex and often causes no symptoms there, which is why the type of test depends on the kinds of sex you have had.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.