What is Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection spread during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has gonorrhea. It can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat. Gonorrhea has a cure and is generally treated with antibiotics, but untreated infections can lead to serious health problems.

Symptoms

Gonorrhea often does not cause symptoms, so many people do not know they have it. Even without symptoms, it can still be passed to others. When symptoms do occur, they usually appear within 2-21 days after exposure.

When symptoms do appear, they can include:

• Pain or burning when peeing

• Abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis

• Pain, bleeding, or discharge from the rectum

• Sore throat (if in the throat)

• Pain or swelling in one or both testicles

• Lower abdominal or pelvic pain