See our chlamydia guide for the closely related infection this one is commonly tested for alongside — the two share a lot in transmission and testing logistics but are distinct infections with distinct treatment.
What it is
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, capable of infecting the genitals, rectum, and throat depending on which type of contact occurred. It's curable with the correct antibiotic treatment.
Symptoms are often absent, especially in some locations
When present, symptoms can include unusual discharge, burning during urination, or pelvic or rectal discomfort — but throat infections specifically are especially likely to produce no symptoms at all, which is part of why oral sex isn't the "safe" activity it's often treated as. See our testing timing guide for when testing is actually reliable after a specific exposure.
Antibiotic resistance is a genuine concern here
Gonorrhea has developed resistance to several antibiotics that used to reliably treat it, which public health agencies actively monitor. It remains treatable with current recommended antibiotics, but this is a real reason to get an accurate diagnosis and follow the specific treatment a clinic prescribes, rather than assuming any leftover antibiotic will resolve it.
Treatment and partners
A course of the correct antibiotic, prescribed after diagnosis, treats the infection. As with chlamydia, current and recent partners typically need testing and treatment too, to avoid reinfection from continued sexual contact with an untreated partner.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get gonorrhea in your throat?
Yes, from oral sex — and throat infections are especially likely to be asymptomatic, which is part of why oral sex isn't a risk-free activity even though it's often treated as the "safe" option.
Why does antibiotic resistance matter here?
Gonorrhea has developed resistance to several antibiotics that used to treat it reliably, which is a genuine, actively monitored public health concern. It's still treatable with current recommended antibiotics, but it's part of why accurate testing and following the specific treatment a clinic prescribes matters, rather than assuming any antibiotic will work.
Does gonorrhea often occur alongside chlamydia?
Co-infection is common enough that testing for both together is standard practice — a single visit and test typically covers both rather than needing separate appointments.
Get one practical guide a week
Positions, honest toy reviews, and advice that treats you like an adult. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.