When should you worry about testicular pain with gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea can inflame the urethra and epididymis, causing pain or tenderness in the scrotum. Discharge, burning when passing urine, fever or swelling may occur, but symptoms vary and some people have few symptoms. Testicular pain also has non-infectious and surgical causes.

A healthcare professional may examine the groin and scrotum and collect urine or swab samples. Do not assume the pain is caused by gonorrhoea until urgent conditions have been considered.

Seek prompt assessment at a sexual-health clinic or primary-care service. Avoid sexual contact until testing and treatment advice is complete. Share accurate information about recent partners, oral or anal exposure, discharge, fever and medicines already used.

Use gonorrhoea treatment exactly as prescribed and attend any recommended follow-up. Recent partners may need testing and treatment even if they feel well.

Attend emergency care immediately if pain is sudden or severe, or if it comes with vomiting, faintness, major swelling, or a testicle that sits higher or at a different angle. Testicular torsion can develop alongside unrelated symptoms and needs rapid assessment.

Obtain same-day medical advice for fever, worsening redness or swelling, severe tenderness, or pain that continues after treatment. Seek another review if symptoms return.

Could the pain signal epididymitis or torsion? Which sites should be tested? When should partners attend, and when is sexual contact safe? What follow-up is needed if discharge or pain remains?