What are the symptoms of gonorrhoea?

Symptoms depend partly on where the infection is present. Discharge from the vagina or penis and burning or pain when passing urine can occur. Testicular pain or swelling needs prompt assessment. Infection in the throat or rectum may produce few noticeable symptoms. Having no symptoms does not exclude gonorrhoea or remove the possibility of passing it to a partner.

Arrange STI screening if you have symptoms, a new sexual partner, or a partner who has been diagnosed. Avoid sex until a clinician gives specific advice, and tell recent partners if testing confirms infection so they can seek care. Gonorrhoea is treated with prescribed antibiotics; do not use leftover medicine or share treatment.

Seek prompt medical advice for pelvic pain, fever, pain during sex, testicular swelling or worsening symptoms, because untreated infection can spread. Urgent assessment is needed for severe pelvic or testicular pain, vomiting, faintness or feeling acutely unwell. Testing may involve samples from the affected sites, depending on sexual contact and symptoms.

Ask which samples are needed, whether other STI tests are appropriate, when sexual contact can safely resume, and whether partners need testing or treatment.