Gonorrhea — What to Know Now
Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat. Sometimes it shows clear symptoms, but often it doesn’t — that’s why testing matters. In recent years, some strains have become harder to treat, so getting the right test and the right medicine quickly is key.
Symptoms and when to test
Symptoms can show up 2–14 days after exposure, but you can also be symptom-free. Men may notice painful urination or a pus-like discharge from the penis. Women may get unusual vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, or bleeding between periods — which can be mistaken for other issues. Throat and rectal infections often have no symptoms, or just mild soreness.
Get tested if you: had unprotected sex with a new partner, were notified by a partner, have symptoms, or are pregnant. Testing is quick: most clinics use a NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test) on urine or swabs. You can also self-collect a throat or rectal swab at some clinics. If you’re unsure where to go, look for a sexual health clinic or a walk-in clinic that offers STI screening.
Treatment, resistance, and what to do next
Treatment must follow current guidelines because some strains resist older antibiotics. The standard treatment now is a single dose of injectable ceftriaxone. Your healthcare provider will give the right dose based on weight and the site of infection. Oral antibiotics alone are often not enough anymore.
Do not try to treat gonorrhea with leftover pills or antibiotics bought without a prescription. That can make resistance worse and leave the infection untreated. If symptoms persist after treatment, return to your provider — you may need a test-of-cure, especially for throat infections or if your partner had untreated gonorrhea.
Tell recent sexual partners so they can get tested and treated too. Avoid sex until you and your partner(s) have completed treatment and any recommended follow-up tests. Pregnant people should get tested and treated promptly — untreated gonorrhea can harm both mother and baby.
Prevention is straightforward: use condoms for sex, get regular STI checkups if you’re sexually active with new or multiple partners, and consider PrEP if you’re at risk for HIV. If you use online pharmacies or telehealth to get care, choose licensed services and verify prescriptions come from a licensed clinician.
If you think you might have gonorrhea, don’t wait. Quick testing and appropriate treatment protect your health and stop the spread of resistant strains. If you need help finding a clinic or understanding results, reach out to your local public health unit or a trusted healthcare provider.
