Gonorrhea (commonly known as "the clap") is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Transmission

The infection is mainly transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also be passed from mother to child during childbirth.

Risk groups

• Sexually active people under 25 years old
• People with frequently changing sexual partners
• People who do not use condoms

In men, the first symptoms usually appear 2-7 days after infection .

Typical signs

• Burning sensation when urinating
• Purulent discharge from the urethra (yellowish-green)
• Redness and swelling of the urethral opening
• Testicular pain

Danger

Approximately 10% of men show no symptoms but can still transmit the infection!

In women, the infection often occurs without obvious symptoms—up to 50% notice no signs.

Possible symptoms

• Increased discharge (yellowish-green)
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Spotting between periods
• Lower abdominal pain
• Pain during sex

Risks of asymptomatic cases

Because many women have no symptoms, the infection is often detected late—with serious consequences like infertility.

Pharyngeal gonorrhea (pharynx)

Transmitted through oral sex. Often asymptomatic, sometimes sore throat or difficulty swallowing.

Anal gonorrhea

Transmitted through anal sex. Symptoms may include:

• Itching around the anus
• Pain during bowel movements
• Purulent discharge from the anus
• Bleeding

Important

These infections can also be asymptomatic and should be tested for if at risk.

Test methods

The diagnosis is made through a swab or urine test :

• Men: Urine sample or urethral swab
• Women: Vaginal swab or urine sample
• Throat/Anus: Swab of the affected area

Laboratory test

The sample is tested for gonorrhea bacteria using a PCR test (nucleic acid amplification test). Results are usually available after 1-2 days.

Important: If the test result is positive, partners should also be tested!

Antibiotic therapy

Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics , usually as a single injection (ceftriaxone) combined with tablets (azithromycin).

Important instructions

• Treatment only lasts 1-2 days.
• No sex for 7 days after treatment
• Partners must also be treated.
• Follow-up test recommended after 2 weeks

Resistances

⚠️ Gonorrhea bacteria are increasingly developing antibiotic resistance . Therefore, proper treatment by doctors is important!

Untreated gonorrhea can lead to serious consequences:

In women

• Pre-existing inflammation of the fallopian tubes (PID)
• Infertility due to scarring
• Increased risk of ectopic pregnancies
• Chronic abdominal pain

In men

• epididymitis
• prostatitis
• Narrowing of the urethra
• In rare cases, infertility

Generally

Gonorrhea increases the risk of HIV infection 3-5 times!

Here's how to protect yourself from gonorrhea

• Use condoms during vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
• Regular STI testing with multiple partners
• Open communication with partners
• Treatment in case of a positive test + inform partners

When should you get tested?

• After unprotected sex with new partners
• If symptoms occur (discharge, burning, pain)
• If partner tests positive
• At least once a year with different partners

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