Sexual health
Gonorrhea
Also known as: The clap, GC infection
Gonorrhea condition guide: symptoms, causes, prevention, and when to seek care. Educational only — not a diagnosis.
Overview
Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. Some people have no symptoms, especially women, so testing matters. Poorly treated infection can lead to PID and fertility problems.
Symptoms
- Pus-like discharge from the urethra
- Burning when urinating
- Painful testicles
- Vaginal discharge
- Lower abdominal pain
- Sometimes throat or rectal infection
Causes
It spreads through condomless vaginal, anal, or oral sex. A parent can pass it to a baby during birth.
Treatment (general information)
It is treated with prescribed antibiotics. Partners should be treated. Some strains resist medicines, so complete the full course and follow-up.
Prevention
Use condoms, get STI testing, and avoid sex until you and partners have completed treatment.
When to see a doctor
Get tested quickly for discharge, painful urination, or after condomless sex. Newborns with red eyes need emergency care.
Frequently asked questions
- Can it clear without medicine?
- Not reliably. Without treatment it can cause long-term harm even if symptoms ease.
- Do condoms block it completely?
- They greatly reduce risk but are not perfect. Testing still matters.