Gonorrhea Symptoms

The most common symptom of gonorrhea, oddly enough, is not displaying any symptoms. Most women and half of men do not exhibit any common symptoms, which could actually lead to further complications than those who are immediately tested and treated.

Symptoms of STD

Gonorrhea symptoms vary quite dramatically from case to case, and even more so between genders, but common features include a burning sensation while urinating and dis-colored discharge from the urethra.

Symptoms for gonorrhea typically become noticeable around 10 days after the sexual encounter or contact. It is important to remember that penetration and/or discharge are not necessary for the infection to be passed. Contact with the infected area is enough to spread gonorrhea.

In the most extreme scenarios, gonorrhea can lead to infertility, vaginal bleeding, and DGI (Disseminated Gonococcal Infection), also called gonococcal arthritis. DGI develops within two weeks of infection and can involve chills, sickness, fever, arthritis, skin rashes or legions, or symptoms of meningitis. DGI is rare and only about 1% of gonorrhea positive individuals experience these effects. But it is extremely serious, so do not hesitate to call a doctor.

Symptoms in Men

Most Likely Symptoms

• No symptoms.  The CDC estimates as many as 50% of male gonorrhea cases don’t experience any symptoms, even weeks after contracting the STD.
• Yellowish or greenish discharge from penis
• Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding
• Painful, burning urination
• Inflamed eye

Likely Symptoms

• Sore Throat
• itching or burning near opening of the penis
• Testicular pain and/or swelling

Possible Symptoms

• NA

Symptoms in Women

Most Likely Symptoms

• No symptoms.  The CDC estimates that most female gonorrhea cases don’t experience any symptoms, even weeks after getting infected.

Likely Symptoms

• Increased vaginal discharge that is unusually colored (greenish, yellowish, bloody, or watery)
• Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding
• Pain during urination (could be from another STD)
• Eye inflammation

Possible Symptoms

• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Lower abdominal pain
• Lower back pain
• Nausea
• fever
• Sore throat

Signs of Gonorrhea

It’s important to set up a gonorrhea test at an STD test clinic if you experience any of these symptoms.  Gonorrhea is often contracted simultaneously with chlamydia and symptoms can overlap, so both a gonorrhea test and chlamydia test are often advisable any time an unsafe sexual encounter occurs. 

Gonorrhea Test

Doctors also recommend a gonorrhea test annually in sexually active women, including those who are pregnant, in order to prevent further complications or contraction of another STD.

Remember, gonorrhea can be exchanged during oral sex, anal sex or vaginal intercourse and while condoms do reduce the risk of contracting the STD, they are not 100% effective. 

Gonorrhea SymptomsA proactive gonorrhea test is very valuable, because the consequences are so severe and the symptoms can be non-existent. If you have had unprotected sex, protect yourself by getting tested.

More STD Information:

Visit our gonorrhea overview page, our gonorrhea treatment page or our gonorrhea testing page to find out more info about this STD.