Overview
Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria that infect the genitals, and sometimes the throat, rectum or eyes. In men it often causes burning on passing urine and a discharge, while in women it may cause few or no symptoms, which lets it spread silently and damage the reproductive organs. It is treated with antibiotics, and treating sexual partners at the same time is essential to prevent reinfection and complications like infertility.
Symptoms
- Burning or pain when passing urine
- A white, yellow or green discharge from the penis or vagina
- In women, often no symptoms or mild ones
- Pain or bleeding during or after intercourse in women
- Testicle pain in men, or lower-belly pain in women, if it spreads
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for burning urine or unusual genital discharge, or if a partner is affected. Treat both partners and complete the antibiotics.
Causes
The bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, spread through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex, and from mother to baby during birth.