Gonorrhea – Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria. It can affect various body parts, including the urethra, rectum, reproductive organs, mouth, throat, and eyes.

The infection primarily spreads through vaginal, oral, or anal sexual contact. Newborn babies can also contract gonorrhea during childbirth, typically affecting their eyes.

Prevention is straightforward but essential.

The most effective ways to prevent gonorrhea include:

• Abstaining from sexual activity
• Using condoms correctly during every sexual encounter
• Maintaining a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner

These prevention methods significantly reduce the risk of contracting this bacterial infection. Unlike some other infections, gonorrhea spreads specifically through intimate contact with infected bodily fluids or genital areas.

The bacteria responsible for gonorrhea can thrive in warm, moist areas of the body. This explains why multiple body sites can become infected through different types of sexual contact.

Signs of Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea often causes no symptoms at all. However, when symptoms do appear in men, they typically include:

• Burning pain during urination
• Cloudy discharge from the penis
• Swelling or pain in one testicle

Women with gonorrhea may experience:

• Thicker or increased vaginal discharge
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Unexpected vaginal bleeding, especially after sex
• Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area

Symptoms in Other Body Areas

Gonorrhea can affect more than just the genital area:

Rectal Infection

• Itching around the anus
• Discharge from the rectum
• Small amounts of bright red blood on toilet paper
• Straining during bowel movements

Eye Infection

• Pain in the eyes
• Light sensitivity
• Discharge from one or both eyes

Throat Infection

• Sore throat
• Swollen neck lymph nodes

Joint Infection

• Warm, red joints
• Swelling
• Severe pain, especially when moving
• This is called septic arthritis

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

You should make an appointment with a healthcare provider if you notice:

• Burning feelings during urination
• Unusual discharge from your penis, vagina, or rectum

It’s also important to see a doctor if your partner has been diagnosed with gonorrhea, even if you don’t have symptoms. Without symptoms, you could still have the infection and pass it back to your partner after they’ve been treated.

Causes

Gonorrhea develops from infection with the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This infection typically spreads through sexual contact between people. The bacteria can pass during:

• Vaginal sex
• Anal sex
• Oral sex

The bacteria thrive in warm, moist areas of the reproductive tract and can also affect the eyes, throat, and rectum.

Risk Factors

People with higher chances of getting gonorrhea include:

• Sexually active women under age 25
• Men who have sex with men
• People with new sexual partners
• Those whose partners have multiple sexual relationships
• Individuals with multiple sex partners
• Anyone with a history of gonorrhea or other sexually transmitted infections

Problems That Can Happen

If gonorrhea isn’t treated, it can cause serious health issues. Here are some complications that may develop:

Women’s Fertility Problems

Gonorrhea can move up into the uterus and tubes that carry eggs, causing a painful condition called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This can leave scars in the tubes, making it hard to get pregnant.

Men’s Fertility Problems

The infection can inflame the tube that holds sperm (epididymitis). Without treatment, men may become unable to father children.

Spread to Other Body Parts

The bacteria can travel through the blood to other areas, especially joints. This can cause:

• Fever
• Skin rashes and sores
• Painful, swollen joints
• Stiffness

Higher HIV Risk

People with gonorrhea catch HIV more easily. Someone with both infections can pass both to partners more readily.

Problems for Newborns

Babies born to mothers with gonorrhea may develop:

• Eye infections that can lead to blindness
• Scalp sores
• Other serious infections

Prevention

Preventing gonorrhea involves several practical steps that can significantly reduce your risk of infection.

Using Protection

Always use condoms during any sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Condoms create a barrier that helps block the bacteria that cause gonorrhea.

Limiting Sexual Partners

Being in a monogamous relationship where both partners are faithful lowers your risk. Having multiple partners increases your chances of exposure to gonorrhea.

Testing and Communication

• Get tested for STIs regularly
• Share test results with partners before sexual activity
• Discuss sexual health openly with partners

Avoid sexual contact with anyone showing symptoms of STIs, such as burning during urination or genital sores or rashes.

Regular Screening

Regular testing is important, especially for:

• Sexually active women under 25
• Women with new or multiple partners
• Men who have sex with men
• Transgender women
• Anyone whose partner has had an STI

Preventive Medication

For people at higher risk, a medicine called doxycycline may help prevent infection when taken within 3 days of sexual activity.

Talk to your healthcare provider about whether this option is right for you and what testing might be needed while taking it.

After Diagnosis

If you’ve been diagnosed with gonorrhea, complete the full treatment before having sex again. Make sure your partner gets treated, too. This prevents reinfection and stops the spread to others.

Remember that abstinence (not having sex) is the only 100% effective way to prevent gonorrhea. However, these prevention strategies can greatly reduce your risk if you’re sexually active.