Gonorrhoea Symptoms: Early Warning Signs

Gonorrhoea Symptoms

Emma winced as a sharp sting greeted her in the bathroom—something felt off. The next morning, she booked a clinic appointment, where a quick swab confirmed gonorrhoea. After a single antibiotic injection, relief washed over her. Emma promptly notified her partner to get tested, and within days she was symptom-free. Her swift action reminded her: trust your instincts and seek help without delay.

Early detection of gonorrhoea can make a significant difference in treatment success and in preventing long-term health complications. In this post, we’ll cover the most common and subtle symptoms of gonorrhoea, highlight differences between how it presents in men and women, and explain when it’s time to seek testing or medical care.

Why Spotting Gonorrhoea Early Matters

Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and an increased risk of HIV transmission. Since many cases produce mild or no symptoms, understanding the early warning signs is essential for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Professional GP advice, anytime, anywhere

Common Early Warning Signs

1. Unusual Discharge

Men: White, yellow, or green discharge from the penis
Women: Increased vaginal discharge that may be yellow or greenish

This discharge often has a stronger odour than normal and may be accompanied by discomfort.

2. Pain or Burning on Urination

A stinging sensation when passing urine is one of the most frequently reported symptoms. It can easily be mistaken for a urinary tract infection (UTI), so it’s important to mention sexual history when consulting your GP or clinic.

3. Increased Urgency or Frequency

Feeling the need to urinate more often — sometimes even with little urine released, can occur alongside burning.

4. Discomfort During Sex

Pain or bleeding during intercourse, especially in women, is a red flag sign. Men may notice pain or swelling in the testicles, though this is less common.

Symptoms in Men vs. Women

Below is an overview of key symptoms and how they present differently in men vs women.

Note: Approximately 10–15% of women and 2–5% of men experience no symptoms at all, making routine STI screening crucial after unprotected sex or if a partner tests positive.

Asymptomatic Cases: The Silent Spreaders

Because many individuals show minimal or no symptoms, gonorrhoea can be passed unknowingly. Routine screening is recommended:

All sexually active under-25s (especially those with new or multiple partners)
Anyone who has had unprotected sex
Partners of individuals diagnosed with any STI

Early detection through screening prevents onward transmission and serious health issues.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Book an appointment or attend an NHS sexual health clinic if you experience:

Persistent discharge or odour
Any pain or burning when urinating
Bleeding after intercourse
Unusual pelvic or testicular pain
You’ve had unprotected sex in the past three months

Testing is quick, confidential, and often free. Samples usually involve a urine test for men and a swab test for women (vaginal or cervical).

What to Expect During Testing and Treatment

Consultation: Medical history and discussion of symptoms.
Sample Collection: Urine or swab.
Results: Typically available within 1–2 days.
Treatment: A single dose of intramuscular antibiotics, often paired with oral antibiotics to cover potential co-infections.
Follow-Up: Abstain from sex for seven days after treatment and ensure all recent partners are tested and treated.

Prevention Tips

Use Condoms Consistently: Reduce risk of transmission.
Regular Screening: Especially after new or multiple partners.
Mutual Monogamy: Both partners tested and clear before unprotected sex.
Vaccination: While there’s no dedicated gonorrhoea vaccine yet, keeping up to date with meningococcal B (4CMenB) vaccination may offer some cross-protection in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get gonorrhoea more than once?
A: Yes. Previous infection does not guarantee immunity, so continue practising safer sex.

Q: How long after infection do symptoms appear?
A: Symptoms usually show 2–7 days after exposure but may take up to 30 days.

Q: Is self-treatment possible?
A: No. Always seek professional medical treatment—incorrect antibiotics can worsen resistance.

Conclusion

Recognising the early warning signs of gonorrhoea is key to prompt treatment and reducing the spread of this STI. If you notice any of the symptoms discussed, especially unusual discharge or pain during urination — arrange testing without delay. Early action protects your health and that of your partners.