Does gonorrhoea cause vaginal discharge?

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection that may cause increased or changed vaginal discharge. Some people have few or no symptoms, so the appearance of discharge cannot confirm or exclude infection.

Other causes include bacterial vaginosis, thrush, trichomoniasis, irritation, and changes around the menstrual cycle. A clinic may offer a swab or urine test and ask about sexual contact, pelvic symptoms, and pregnancy possibility.

Arrange sexual-health testing if discharge is new, persistent, or follows sex with a new or untested partner. Avoid sex until you have received advice about testing and treatment; use prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed and do not share them.

Partners may need assessment and treatment. Ask the clinician when it is safe to resume sex and whether repeat testing or screening for other infections is appropriate.

Seek prompt medical care for discharge with lower abdominal pain, fever, pain during sex, bleeding between periods, bleeding after sex, or burning when passing urine. Get urgent help for severe pain, fainting, vomiting, or symptoms during pregnancy.

Which tests do I need? Could my partner need treatment? When will results be available? What should I do until treatment is complete, and which symptoms mean I need an urgent review?