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Communicable Diseases Agency

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Last updated 7 November 2025

What is gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can affect the eyes, throat, urethra, rectum, and parts of the vagina. It is curable with antibiotics, but it has developed resistance against them.

How is gonorrhoea transmitted?

Gonorrhoea is spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sex with an infected person. They do not need to ejaculate to transmit it.

Pregnant women can also transmit gonorrhoea to their babies during delivery.

What are the symptoms of gonorrhoea?

Most infected women do not have symptoms. Men may experience them. Symptoms usually occur within two to 14 days after infection.

For men

  • Pain or burning sensation when urinating

  • A white, yellow, or greenish discharge from the penis

  • Painful or swollen teste.

For women

  • Pain or burning sensation when urinating

  • Vaginal discharge

  • Vaginal bleeding between periods or during sexual intercourse

What are the risk factors?

Risk factors include:

  • Unprotected sex with an infected person

  • Having multiple sexual partners

  • Inconsistent condom use

  • Exchanging sex for money or drugs

  • History or current presence of other STIs

How to treat gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea can be treated with a complete course of antibiotics. However, treatment is becoming more difficult because of drug-resistant strains.

Some individuals with gonorrhoea may also have other STIs like chlamydia. When this occurs, doctors will likely prescribe antibiotics that can treat both infections.

If symptoms persist after you have completed treatment, you should return to your doctor for a re-evaluation.

How to prevent gonorrhoea?

Ways to prevent gonorrhoea include:

  • Informing current or recent sexual partners if you are diagnosed

  • Avoiding sexual intercourse until at least 7 days after completing treatment

  • Using condoms consistently and correctly

  • Limiting the number of sexual partners

  • Getting tested for STIs regularly