What should you know about pharyngeal gonorrhoea?

Possible symptoms include a sore throat, redness, swollen glands or discomfort when swallowing, but their presence does not confirm the infection. A throat infection can occur alongside genital or rectal infection. Untreated gonorrhoea can be passed to partners and may contribute to complications in other parts of the body, including pelvic inflammatory disease.

Arrange STI screening and tell the clinician about oral sexual contact so the throat is included in the assessment. Take the antibiotic treatment exactly as prescribed and do not share leftover medicine. Avoid sexual contact until your clinician says it is safe, and make sure current partners are offered testing and treatment. Return for any recommended follow-up test because throat infection can need confirmation after treatment.

Seek prompt medical care for trouble breathing or swallowing, rapidly increasing swelling in the throat or neck, severe weakness, or a high fever. Arrange an STI assessment soon after a possible exposure, even without symptoms. Persistent sore throat after treatment also needs review.

Ask whether you need a throat swab as well as urine or genital testing, when sexual contact can safely resume, whether partners need notification, and whether a follow-up test is appropriate.