Signs of Gonorrhea

Women have symptoms of gonorrhea less often than do men. Most women who have this STD have no symptoms, or very mild symptoms that are often mistaken for something else, such as a bladder infection. When a person has symptoms, they most often appear within 2 to 10 days after having sex with someone who has the STD. But, some people can take as long as a few months to show symptoms. Common symptoms in men include a burning when urinating and a yellow-white discharge from the penis. Sometimes a man can also have painful or swollen testicles.

If a woman has symptoms, they may include:

• Pain or burning when urinating.
• Vaginal discharge that is yellow or sometimes bloody.
• Bleeding between menstrual periods.
• Heavy bleeding with periods.
• Pain when having sex.
• Lower abdominal pain.

Both men and women can have symptoms of rectal gonorrhea - discharge, anal itching, soreness, bleeding, and sometimes painful bowel movements. When the infection is in the throat, there are often no or few symptoms.