What Is Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can infect the genitals, rectum, throat, and even the eyes. Gonorrhea spreads through vaginal, anal, or oral sex — and often shows no symptoms at all.

If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause serious health issues, including infertility and increased risk of HIV. But the good news? It’s curable with antibiotics — and easy to test for.

Gonorrhea is sometimes called “the clap,” an outdated slang term. Today, the conversation around gonorrhea is shifting — from shame to clarity, and from fear to treatment.

How common is gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is the second most reported STI in the U.S., right after chlamydia. According to the CDC, there were over 700,000 cases reported in 2021, and rates are rising — especially among people ages 15–24.

Many people who test positive didn’t know they had it, because the infection was silent.

What Are Symptoms of Gonorrhea?

You can have gonorrhea and feel completely fine. In fact, many people never notice any symptoms — especially those with vaginas. When symptoms do appear, they can be uncomfortable or easy to confuse with something else.

In people with female biology:

• Unusual vaginal discharge (yellow, green, or cloudy)
• Burning or pain when peeing
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Bleeding between periods or after sex
• Pain during sex

In people with male biology:

• White, yellow, or green discharge from the penis
• Burning or pain when urinating
• Pain or swelling in one testicle
• Itching or irritation in the urethra

In anyone:

Gonorrhea can infect other areas beyond the genitals — especially if there’s oral or anal sex.

• Throat: Sore throat, redness, or no symptoms at all
• Rectum: Itching, discharge, soreness, or bleeding
• Eyes: Pain, discharge, redness (rare, but possible through fluid contact)

How long can you have gonorrhea without knowing?

You might carry gonorrhea for weeks or even months without symptoms — and still pass it to others. That’s why testing matters.

How can I tell if someone has gonorrhea?

You can’t — not by looking. Gonorrhea often hides under the surface. The only way to know is to get tested.

What Does Gonorrhea Look Like?

Gonorrhea usually doesn’t cause visible changes, especially if it’s in the throat or rectum. But in some cases, you might notice:

• Discharge from the penis or vagina — usually yellow, green, or cloudy
• Redness or swelling near the genitals
• Infected eyes: red, irritated, with pus-like discharge

Unlike herpes or syphilis, gonorrhea doesn’t cause blisters or open sores.

If you’re seeing changes, don’t try to self-diagnose. Many STIs share overlapping symptoms — only a test can confirm what’s going on.

How Is Gonorrhea Transmitted?

Gonorrhea spreads through direct contact with infected fluids during sex — including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It can also be passed through shared sex toys if they’re not cleaned or covered with a new condom.

You can pass gonorrhea even if you don’t ejaculate — or don’t have symptoms.

Can you get gonorrhea from oral sex?

Yes. Gonorrhea can infect the throat, and you can get it from giving or receiving oral sex.

Can you get gonorrhea from kissing or toilet seats?

No. Gonorrhea doesn’t live on surfaces and isn’t spread through saliva, hugging, sharing food, or toilet seats.

Where in the body can gonorrhea infect?

• Urethra (most common)
• Cervix
• Rectum
• Throat
• Eyes

How to avoid getting or spreading gonorrhea:

• Use condoms or dental dams during all types of sex
• Get tested regularly
• Avoid sex with partners who have symptoms or haven’t been tested
• Clean and cover sex toys between uses

How Do You Test for Gonorrhea?

Testing for gonorrhea is quick and easy. The test looks for the bacteria’s genetic material — and works even if you have no symptoms.

How is gonorrhea diagnosed?

• Urine test: Common for people with penises
• Swab test: Vaginal, throat, rectal, or urethral swabs depending on exposure

The most accurate method is called a NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test). Results usually come back in a few days.

Who should get tested?

• Anyone with symptoms
• Sexually active people under age 25
• People with new or multiple partners
• Anyone whose partner tested positive
• People who have anal or oral sex — especially without barriers

Are there home tests for gonorrhea?

Yes. Some at-home STI kits offer gonorrhea testing — usually through self-collected urine or vaginal swabs. They’re highly accurate if used correctly and processed in certified labs.

Are gonorrhea tests accurate?

Yes. Modern NAAT tests are highly sensitive and specific — much more accurate than older methods.

Do I need to get tested if I feel fine?

Yes. Gonorrhea is often asymptomatic. Regular testing is part of responsible sexual health.

How Is Gonorrhea Treated?

Gonorrhea is curable — but treatment is evolving because the bacteria is becoming more resistant to antibiotics.

What’s the treatment?

As of 2023, the CDC recommends:

• A single 500 mg injection of ceftriaxone (a strong antibiotic)
• Sometimes an oral antibiotic as well, depending on the case

If you’re allergic to certain antibiotics or the infection is complicated, your provider will adjust treatment.

How long does it take to go away?

Symptoms usually improve within a few days. But you should wait at least 7 days after treatment before having sex again.

What if symptoms don’t go away?

It might mean reinfection, antibiotic resistance, or another STI. Follow up with your provider if symptoms persist.

Complications of Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is curable — but not harmless if ignored. Left untreated, it can lead to serious complications:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in people with female anatomy
• Infertility in all genders
• Epididymitis (painful testicle inflammation)
• Increased HIV risk
• Joint infections or blood infection (rare but severe)
• Neonatal gonorrhea if passed to a baby during childbirth

Gonorrhea doesn’t go away on its own — but it’s easily treated if caught early.

Outlook & Prognosis

With proper treatment, most people fully recover from gonorrhea without long-term problems. But reinfection is common if partners aren’t treated too.

There’s no immunity after treatment — you can get gonorrhea again. That’s why ongoing testing, communication, and safe sex practices are key.

Living With Gonorrhea

Getting diagnosed with gonorrhea can bring up shame, anxiety, or fear. But here’s the truth: it’s very common, treatable, and doesn’t define you.

Most people feel fine within a week after treatment. What matters is getting tested, completing treatment, and protecting your health going forward.

Stay connected to your care:

• Take the full dose of antibiotics
• Avoid sex for 7 days after treatment
• Get retested in 3 months if recommended
• Talk to your partner(s) — or use anonymous notification tools

How to Tell Your Partner(s) You Have Gonorrhea

You might feel awkward bringing it up, but telling your partner is part of being sexually responsible. It’s not about blame — it’s about protecting both of you.

You could say:

“I just found out I have gonorrhea. It’s a really common STI, and it’s easily treatable with antibiotics. You should get tested too so we can both stay healthy.”

Tips for the conversation:

• Be direct and calm — this is about health, not guilt
• Emphasize it’s treatable — most cases clear up quickly
• Use support tools — there are text templates and anonymous services if needed

It might feel vulnerable, but honesty builds trust. Many people respond with appreciation — and often relief.

Last reviewed: May 2025
This content is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the latest medical guidelines.

• Caused by: Bacteria (Neisseria gonorrhoeae)
• Spread through: Vaginal, anal, or oral sex; infected fluids; shared sex toys
• Symptoms: Often none; may include discharge, burning when urinating, sore throat, or rectal discomfort
• Testing: Urine test, swab of throat/rectum/genitals; NAAT test is most accurate
• Treatment: Curable with antibiotics (usually an injection of ceftriaxone)
• Risk if untreated: Infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, HIV risk, joint or eye infection
• How common: 700,000+ cases reported annually in the U.S. (CDC)