The main gonorrhea symptoms are pain or burning when urinating, white or yellow discharge from the urethra, vagina or anus, pain in the abdomen, testicular swelling, a sore throat or anal itching.

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. This bacteria can infect both men and women and is usually transmitted through unprotected sex with an infected person, It can also be transmitted from mother to baby during delivery.

It is important to consult a gynecologist, urologist, infectious disease specialist or family doctor if you notice any symptoms of gonorrhea, so that it can be diagnosed and treated. Treatment for gonorrhea usually involves the use of antibiotics.

The symptoms of gonorrhea vary according to the person's gender or the area of the body that is infected.

Symptoms in women

The main symptoms of gonorrhea in women are:

Yellow or white vaginal discharge, similar to pus
Pain or burning when urinating
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Swelling and pain in the vaginal lips
Formation of a vaginal abscess, due to inflammation of the Bartholin glands
Bleeding outside of a period
Pain during sex
Burning or discomfort in the genital area

In most women, gonorrhea does not cause any symptoms and is only identified during routine gynecological examinations.

However, a woman who do present with symptoms will generally notice them about 10 days after initial contact with the bacteria.

It is important to consult a gynecologist whenever symptoms of female gonorrhea appear, as it can cause complications if left untreated. It can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or infertility, as well as increase the risk for an ectopic pregnancy or pregnancy complications.

Symptoms in men

The main symptoms of gonorrhea in men are:

Testicular swelling or pain
White, yellow or green penile discharge
Pain or burning when urinating

In men, symptoms of appear a few days after initial contact with an infected person.

Online symptom checker

To determine your risk for having gonorrhea, report your symptoms below:

1. Burning or discomfort when urinating
2. Yellow or white discharge from the penis or vagina
3. Pain in the abdomen, genital or anal region
4. Swelling of the genital region
5. Fever above 37.2°C
6. Have you had unprotected sex in the last 14 days?

This test is a guidance tool only and is not intended to provide a diagnosis. This test does not replace a consult with a gynecologist, urologist, infectious disease specialist or family doctor.

Symptoms of oral gonorrhea

Symptoms of oral gonorrhea include:

Itching, irritation or swelling in the throat
Sore throat
Burning sensation in the throat or mouth
Wounds or ulcers in the mouth or throat
Difficulty swallowing
Voice changes
White spots in the mouth or throat

These symptoms can arise due to the transmission of Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria through unprotected oral sex with an infected person.

Symptoms of oral gonorrhea are very similar to strep throat or pharyngitis, which is why it is important to consult a doctor for assessment and treatment if you notice them

Symptoms of anal gonorrhea

The main symptoms of gonorrhea in the anus are:

Itching in the anus;
Pus-like secretion;
Pain when defecating;
Bright red blood on the toilet paper.

Anal gonorrhea symptoms can arise due to exposure of the bacteria through unprotected anal sex.

Symptoms in babies

The main symptoms of gonorrhea in newborns are:

Eye pain
Eyelid swelling
Swollen lymph nodes near the ears
Purulent eye discharge
Difficulty opening eyes

Gonorrhea in babies, also called neonatal gonorrhea, is transmitted from mother to newborn during labor, causing gonococcal conjunctivitis. If left untreated, it can lead to blindness.

Confirming a diagnosis

To confirm a diagnosis of gonorrhea, you should consult a doctor (family doctor, urologist, gynecologist or infectious disease spcialsit) for a physical assessment and lab tests.

The doctor will collect a sample of the vaginal, urethral, anal, oral or ocular discharge or secretion, to be analyzed in the laboratory and confirm the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Once confirmed, the doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to eliminate this bacteria.

What color is gonorrhea discharge?

Gonorrhea discharge is typically yellow or white and has a pus-like appearance. It can be present in the vagina, penis, throat, anus or eyes.

In men, it can also be green, and coming out through the urethra.