Key facts

• Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and it affects both men and women
• Women with gonorrhoea generally do not have symptoms while men will have a discharge from their penis
• If untreated, it can lead to infertility in both men and women
• Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem

Overview

Gonorrhoea is one of the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infections worldwide. It is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoea. Both men and women can be affected, and it is particularly prevalent in young adults.

Many individuals do not realise they are infected, which increases the risk of passing the infection to others. Gonorrhoea can be treated with antibiotics, but resistance is a growing problem.

Left untreated, gonorrhoea can result in infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and other serious complications. Pregnant women can also pass the infection to their babies during childbirth.

Signs and symptoms

Not everyone with gonorrhoea will develop noticeable symptoms. Symptoms can appear in the throat, rectum, vaginal tract and penis. If symptoms appear, they usually occur within two to 14 days after infection.

Common symptoms in men include:

• Pain or burning sensation when urinating.
• White, yellow, or green urethral discharge.
• Swelling or pain in the testicles.

Common symptoms in women include:

• Increased vaginal discharge.
• Pain during urination.
• Vaginal bleeding between periods.
• Abdominal or pelvic pain.

Infections in the rectum may cause:

• Anal itching.
• Discharge from the rectum
• Soreness, bleeding, or painful bowel movements.

Throat infections are often asymptomatic but may cause a sore throat in some individuals.

Dangers and complications

Untreated gonorrhoea in women can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes, leading to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, or ectopic pregnancy. Men may also develop infertility.

In newborns, exposure to gonorrhoea during childbirth can lead to serious eye infections that may cause blindness if not promptly treated.

Transmission

Gonorrhoea is transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Pregnant women with gonorrhoea can pass the infection to their babies during delivery. The infection is not spread through kissing, hugging, or sharing items such as toilets and cutlery.

Treatment

Gonorrhoea is treated with a single dose of antibiotics, either an injection or tablets. However, antibiotic resistance has made treatment increasingly difficult, with several cases of so-called “super-gonorrhoea” – multi-drug resistant gonorrhoea – reported in recent years. Retesting after treatment is often recommended to confirm it has been wiped out, particularly in cases where symptoms persist or reinfection is likely. Partners should also be tested and treated to prevent further spread.

Prevention

The most effective methods of prevention include consistent and correct use of condoms, reducing the number of sexual partners, and having regular sexual health check-ups.

In August 2025 England became the first country in the world to offer a meningococcal vaccine – 4CMenB – to gay and bisexual men who had more than one partner in the previous three months and have had at least one bacterial STI in the previous year.

History

Gonorrhoea has been around since the dawn of time but it was not until the 1940s and the advent of penicillin that the disease became treatable. In the UK it has waxed and waned throughout the 20th and 21st centuries – infections spiked after the Second World War and during the more permissive 1960s and 70s. Since 2010 the number of cases has climbed to record levels – although some of this may be down to more widespread and accurate testing. In 2024 there were 71,000 cases, down from a historic high in 2023 of 85,000.

Useful links

who.int/fact-sheets/gonorrhoea

cdc.gov/gonorrhoea/about

nhs.uk/conditions/gonorrhoea

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