Symptoms of Gonorrhea
Symptoms of gonorrhea in men include white, yellow, or green pus from the penis with pain, burning sensations during urination, and swollen testicles. Symptoms in women include bleeding associated with vaginal intercourse, burning sensations when urinating, or yellow or bloody vaginal discharge. However, not everyone who is infected will have symptoms of gonorrhea; therefore, regular testing is important for all sexually active people.
Symptoms of Gonorrhea: An Introduction
Symptoms of
gonorrhea usually appear within 2 to 10 days after sexual contact with an infected partner; however, symptoms can appear up to 30 days after sexual contact. A small number of people may be infected for several months without showing any symptoms of gonorrhea. The bacteria from gonorrhea are carried in semen and vaginal fluids, and can cause discharge.
Symptoms of Gonorrhea in Women
For women, early symptoms of gonorrhea are often mild. Symptoms may include:
- Bleeding associated with vaginal intercourse
- Painful or burning sensations when urinating
- Yellow or bloody vaginal discharge.
More advanced symptoms in women, which may indicate the development of PID (pelvic inflammatory disease), include:
- Cramps and pain
- Bleeding between menstrual periods
- Vomiting
- Fever.
Symptoms of Gonorrhea in Men
In most cases, men will have symptoms of gonorrhea more often than women do. Symptoms in men may include:
- White, yellow, or green pus from the penis with pain
- Burning sensations during urination that may be severe
- Swollen testicles.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print