Gonorrhea in Men: Symptoms, Signs, and How It Manifests

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the gonococcus Neisseria gonorrhoeae. In men, it most often manifests as burning during urination and discharge from the urethra. At the same time, some of those infected notice no signs at all, so testing is needed even without symptoms.

What gonorrhea is and how it is transmitted

The gonococcus affects the mucous membranes of the genital tract, but can also involve the rectum, oropharynx, and conjunctiva of the eye. It is transmitted during vaginal, anal, and oral sex without a condom — through semen and vaginal secretions. The chance of becoming infected after a single contact with an infected partner reaches 60–90%. The disease is a venereal one, with folk names including "tripper" and "gleet."

First symptoms of gonorrhea in men

If signs appear, this usually happens about 2 weeks after infection, although sometimes symptoms occur only after many months. According to other clinical descriptions, manifestations may begin after 3–7 days. In men, gonorrhea causes pain during urination and discharge from the penis; tenderness of the testicles is possible.

Signs of gonorrhea: discharge, pain, and burning

Acute gonorrheal urethritis produces a tickling sensation, burning, and pain at the end of the urethra, frequent urges, and very painful urination, sometimes with blood. Mucopurulent discharge is characteristic, often in the morning. Some men experience frequent erections and involuntary ejaculations with traces of blood in the semen. When the rectum is affected — itching, pain, and discharge from the anus; when the throat is affected — sore throat; when the eyes are affected — redness, pain, and discharge.

What the manifestations look like and why a diagnosis cannot be made from a photo

Externally, these are most often purulent or mucopurulent discharge from the urethra. Searching for "gonorrhea in men photo" for self-diagnosis is pointless: by appearance and by photo it is impossible to reliably distinguish gonorrhea from other causes of discharge; the diagnosis is made by laboratory tests. The diagnosis is confirmed in the laboratory — by microscopy of the discharge, culture, or other tests ordered by a doctor.

• burning or stinging during urination
• discharge from the penis
• tenderness or swelling of the testicles
• itching and discharge from the anus after anal contact
• sore throat after oral contact

Asymptomatic course and risk of infecting a female partner

In approximately half of those infected, there are no symptoms at all, especially at the onset of the disease. An asymptomatic man nevertheless remains a source of infection for his partner, and in women untreated gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, fertility problems, and infertility. Condoms reduce the risk but do not eliminate it completely.

Complications, diagnosis, and when to see a doctor

Without treatment, the infection can spread to the epididymis and prostate, causing epididymitis or prostatitis, as well as eye damage when the infection is introduced by the hands. At the appointment, the doctor asks about symptoms and partners, may examine the penis and take a swab or urine sample; if necessary, the anus, throat, and eyes are examined and testing for other infections is performed. You should see a doctor (urologist, venereologist, or dermatovenereologist) if you or your partner have noticed concerning signs or there has been unprotected contact.

Gonorrhea by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103/112 — for a severe condition: sudden deterioration in well-being, high fever with severe weakness or confusion.

This material is for reference: it helps to navigate the signs but does not replace a doctor's consultation and examination.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer