Gonorrhoea
Page last reviewed 24.10.2025
Gonorrhea can spread through vaginal or anal intercourse without a condom. It is also possible to get a gonorrhoea in the throat or eye through unprotected oral sex or contaminated hands. Gonorrhea is more common among men who have sex with men. Recent studies suggest that gonorrhoea can be transmitted through the throat through deep kissing or by using contaminated saliva as lubrication during sex.
What are the symptoms of gonorrhoea?
- The symptoms appear within 2 to 14 days from getting infected. Quite often gonorrhea shows no symptoms.
- Symptoms can include burning feeling when urinating, the need to urinate more often than usual, yellow discharge from the urethra, more vaginal discharge than usual and lower stomach pain or painful erection. If it is not treated, it can cause infertility.
When and how should I get tested?
- The test can be taken earliest 5 days after unprotected sex. A urine sample is given in the test. If the infection is in the anus or in the throat it can’t be detected from urine and the swap samples must be taken from the infected areas.
How can I protect myself and how is it treated?
- Gonorrhoea is treated with antibiotics (combination treatment with a shot and pills is recomended). Treatment for gonorrhea is given at university and central hospitals. Four weeks after the treatment, a new test is taken to check that the infection has cleared up.
- To protect yourself against it, use a condom and dental dam. If you have anal sex, use a condom and lubricant.