Does gonorrhoea cause painful urination?

Gonorrhoea can inflame the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. This may cause burning or pain when passing urine, discharge from the penis or vagina, pelvic discomfort, or pain or swelling in a testicle. Infection can also affect the throat or rectum, and some people notice no symptoms. Painful urination has other possible causes, so it needs testing rather than assumption.

Arrange prompt sexual-health or medical assessment for testing, especially after sex without a condom or contact with a partner who has an infection. Avoid sexual contact until a clinician advises that it is safe, and do not share prescribed treatment. Recent partners may need assessment as well. Tell the clinician about oral or anal sex so the right body sites can be considered.

Seek medical advice promptly for painful urination, discharge, pelvic pain or genital tenderness. Get urgent help for severe testicular pain or swelling, fever with feeling very ill, severe lower abdominal pain, a painful red eye, or new joint pain and rash. These can signal complications requiring quick assessment.

Ask which tests are needed, when results are reliable, whether treatment should start before results, and how to notify partners safely. Explain when symptoms began, the sites of sexual contact, any discharge, and medicines or allergies.