What should you know about gonorrhea oral?

Oral gonorrhoea is infection of the throat by the bacteria that cause gonorrhoea. Some people notice a sore throat, redness or swollen glands, while many notice nothing unusual. A sore throat alone does not show that gonorrhoea is present because viruses and other conditions are common causes. Infection in the throat can still be passed during sexual contact, and a genital or rectal test may not detect an infection located in the throat.

Tell the clinician about oral exposure so they can decide whether a throat swab is needed, alongside tests from any other exposed site. Ask about screening for other sexually transmitted infections. If gonorrhoea is confirmed, take the prescribed antibiotic treatment as directed and attend follow-up if advised. Avoid sexual contact until you and relevant partners have completed the recommended care. Do not use leftover antibiotics or assume a sore throat has been treated by medicine prescribed for another condition.

Arrange prompt assessment after a known exposure, a positive partner test, persistent throat symptoms or symptoms such as painful urination or unusual discharge. Seek urgent help for trouble breathing or swallowing, severe swelling, high fever, a spreading rash, painful joints, eye pain or vision changes. These signs may indicate a complication or a different urgent illness.

Ask whether your throat and other exposed sites need testing, when results will be available, which treatment is suitable, and when sex can safely resume. Ask how partners should be informed and whether a clearance test is appropriate.