References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Gonorrhoea is a bacterial STI caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can infect the urethra, cervix, throat, rectum and eyes. Many cases are silent, especially in women. Gonorrhoea is treated with a ceftriaxone injection, but antibiotic resistance is a growing concern that makes proper testing and treatment increasingly important.
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Key Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cause | Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium |
| Transmission | Vaginal, anal and oral sex |
| Symptoms | Discharge, burning; often silent in women |
| Testing | NAAT (urine or swab, including throat and rectal) |
| Treatment | Ceftriaxone 1g injection |
| Resistance | Growing concern — monitoring ongoing |
Symptoms
- Men: yellow/green discharge, burning on urination
- Women: often no symptoms; discharge, bleeding between periods
- Throat: usually silent
- Rectum: often silent; pain, discharge, bleeding
Complications If Untreated
- PID and infertility in women
- Epididymitis in men
- Disseminated gonococcal infection (rare)
- Eye infection in newborns
Testing
- Urine or swab NAAT — gold standard
- Multi-site testing (throat, rectum) important
- Test of cure recommended for pharyngeal infection
Prevention
- Condoms
- Regular testing
- Partner treatment
- DoxyPEP for MSM (where available)
Read more: Gonorrhoea treatment | Super gonorrhoea | UK rates
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gonorrhoea curable?
Yes — current antibiotics are still effective.
Why is resistance a concern?
Gonorrhoea has developed resistance to every antibiotic used historically.
Do I need throat and rectal testing?
If you’ve had oral or anal sex, yes.
Related reading
- What Is Gonococcal Arthritis?
- What Is Super Gonorrhoea?
- How Common Is Gonorrhoea in the UK?
- Multi-Site STI Testing: Genital, Rectal and Throat
- What Is a Female (Internal) Condom?
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
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