Symptoms of Gonorrhea

It's common for gonorrhea to cause no symptoms, especially in women. The incubation period—the time from exposure to the bacteria until symptoms develop—is usually 2 to 5 days. But sometimes symptoms may not develop for up to 30 days.

Gonorrhea may not cause symptoms until the infection has spread to other areas of the body.

You can spread gonorrhea even if you don't have symptoms. You are contagious until you have been treated.

Symptoms in women

In women, the early symptoms are sometimes so mild that they are mistaken for a bladder infection or vaginal infection. Symptoms may include:

• Painful or frequent urination.
• Anal itching, discomfort, bleeding, or discharge.
• Abnormal vaginal discharge.
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding during or after sex or between periods.
• Genital itching.
• Irregular menstrual bleeding.
• Pain in the lower belly.
• Fever and general tiredness.
• Swollen and painful glands at the opening of the vagina (Bartholin glands).
• Painful sexual intercourse.
• Sore throat. (This symptom is rare.)
• Pinkeye (conjunctivitis). (This symptom is rare.)

Symptoms in men

In men, symptoms are usually more obvious. Most men get treated before other problems occur. But some men have mild or no symptoms. This means that they can infect their sex partners and not know it. Symptoms may include:

• Abnormal discharge from the penis. At first, the discharge is clear or milky. Then it can become yellow, creamy, or a little bloody.
• Painful or frequent urination or urethritis.
• Anal itching, discomfort, bleeding, or discharge.
• Sore throat. (This symptom is rare.)
• Pinkeye (conjunctivitis). (This symptom is rare.)

Other symptoms

Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) occurs when the gonorrhea infection spreads to other parts of the body. This includes the joints, skin, heart, or blood. Symptoms of DGI include:

• A rash.
• Joint pain or arthritis.
• Inflamed tendons.