When to worry about painful urination with gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea can inflame the urethra, producing burning and sometimes thick discharge from the penis or vagina. Rectal soreness or discharge, throat symptoms, pelvic pain, and testicular tenderness can also occur. Symptoms may be mild or absent, and painful urination has other possible causes. A urine or swab test helps identify the infection and the body site involved.

Contact a sexual-health clinic or doctor for testing rather than self-treating. Avoid sex until a clinician confirms when it is safe after treatment, and tell recent partners so they can receive advice and testing. Mention oral or anal sex because throat and rectal testing may be relevant. Complete the prescribed treatment and return if symptoms continue.

Arrange same-day care for fever, worsening pelvic pain, severe testicular pain or swelling, or unusual bleeding. Seek urgent assessment for a painful red eye, marked joint pain or swelling, a widespread rash, or feeling severely unwell, as gonorrhoea can spread beyond the genital area. Pregnancy with symptoms also needs prompt clinical advice.

Ask which sites need testing, whether other sexually transmitted infections should be checked, when partners need treatment, and when follow-up is required. Ask what to do if discharge or painful urination remains after treatment.