Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat. It is typically spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sex and is especially common among young people aged 15–24 years. Despite its high prevalence, gonorrhea is both preventable and curable with appropriate antibiotic treatment
Key facts
- Gonorrhoea is a preventable and curable sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is primarily transmitted through vaginal, oral or anal sex.
- In 2020 there were an estimated 82.4 million new infections among adults globally.
- Most women with gonorrhoea do not have symptoms, and when they do, vaginal discharge is common, while most men present with discharge from their penis.
- If left untreated, gonorrhoea can lead to infertility in both men and women and other sexual and reproductive health complications. It also increases the risk of HIV infection.
- Antimicrobial resistance to gonorrhoea is a serious and growing problem, rendering many classes of antibiotics as ineffective with the risk of becoming untreatable.
Overview
Most cases of gonorrhea can be prevented with regular and correct condom use. The infection can present differently in men and women, and many women may not experience any symptoms at all, which increases the risk of complications such as infertility and problems during pregnancy if left untreated. In men, common symptoms include pain or a burning sensation when urinating, discharge from the penis, and sometimes pain in the testes. Gonorrhea can also be passed from a pregnant mother to her baby during childbirth, and having a gonococcal infection increases the risk of both acquiring and transmitting HIV.
Scope of the Problem
In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that there were 82.4 million new infections with Neisseria gonorrhoeae among adults aged 15 to 49 years. The prevalence of gonorrhea is highest among key populations, including men who have sex with men, sex workers, transgender women, and adolescents and young people in high-burden countries.
In Thailand, cases have risen sharply in recent years, with over 11,000 reported in 2023, particularly in urban areas such as Bangkok.
How Gonorrhea Spreads
You can get gonorrhea through vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom with someone who has the infection. Sexually active individuals are at risk if they have unprotected sexual contact with an infected partner, and a pregnant woman with gonorrhea can also pass the infection to her baby during childbirth.
Risk Factors
If you are sexually active, have an honest and open talk with your healthcare provider. Ask them if you should get tested for gonorrhea or other STIs.
You are at higher risk if you:
- Have new or multiple sex partners
- Have a partner with an STI
- Do not use condoms consistently
Signs and Symptoms
Gonorrhea can cause symptoms in the genitals, anus, or throat, and men and women may experience different symptoms. Symptoms usually begin 1–14 days after sexual contact with an infected person.
Symptoms in Men :
- A burning sensation when peeing
- A white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis
- Painful or swollen testicles (although this is less common)
Symptoms in Women :
- Painful or burning sensation when peeing
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Vaginal bleeding between periods or during sexual intercourse
Rectal Infection Symptoms :
- Discharge
- Anal itching
- Soreness
- Bleeding
- Painful bowel movements
Throat Infection Symptoms :
- Redness
- Pain
- Sore throat
Symptoms in Infants :
- Redness
- Pain
- Soreness
- Ulcers
- Tearing
Testing and Diagnosis
If you are sexually active, you should consider getting tested for gonorrhea. In most cases, a healthcare provider will use a urine sample for diagnosis. However, if you have had oral or anal sex, additional samples such as throat or rectal swabs may be required.
Who Should Be Tested?
- Sexually active women under 25
- Women over 25 with risk factors
- Sexually active gay or bisexual men (yearly)
- Pregnant women in some cases