What should you know about gonorrhea fever?

Gonorrhoea may cause no symptoms, or it may cause discharge, burning when passing urine, pelvic pain or testicular discomfort. Fever is less typical of a local infection and can signal that inflammation has spread, especially when it appears with joint pain, a rash, severe pelvic pain or feeling markedly unwell. Many other conditions, including a common cold, COVID-19, cellulitis or another bacterial infection, can also cause fever. The symptom does not establish that gonorrhoea is present.

Contact a clinician promptly if you have fever and a possible sexual exposure, genital symptoms or a positive test. Explain when the fever began, any recent partners, and whether you have taken antibiotics. Testing may involve urine or swabs from exposed sites. Avoid sex until assessed and follow prescribed treatment fully; do not self-treat with antibiotics left from another illness. Drink fluids and rest while arranging care.

Seek urgent assessment for severe pelvic or abdominal pain, testicular swelling, painful swollen joints, a spreading rash, eye pain or vision change, confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty or rapidly worsening illness. Fever with a very painful red eye is an emergency concern. Do not wait for a routine appointment when these signs occur.

Ask which tests are needed, whether exposed body sites should be swabbed, what treatment is appropriate, and which symptoms should trigger emergency review. Ask when partners should be notified and whether follow-up testing is required.