1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Men's Health

Signs Symptoms of Gonorrhea in Men
Sexually transmitted diseases and Men

From , former About.com Guide

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Signs and symptoms of gonorrhea in men
1 in 10 men will not have any symptoms of gonorrhea.
Incubation period - between 1 week and 1 month.

Initial Symptoms of gonorrhea in men

  • discomfort in the penis

  • a thick white, yellow or green discharge from the tip of the penis

  • pain or burning sensation when urinating.
  • Later Symptoms of Gonorrhea in men
    Infection can spread to local area so the glands near the urethra, the prostate, seminal vesicles, testes and bladder can cause problems. Later Symptoms of Gonorrhea in men can include:
    The resulting signs and symptoms include:

  • abscesses

  • testicular swelling that is painful

  • difficulty urinating
  • Gonorrhea infection after anal sex
    gonorrhea infection following anal sex can result in:

  • Soreness and itching with a possible anal discharge

  • Sometimes this is associated with severe pain especially when defecating

  • Sometimes there are no symptoms except a moist feeling in the rectum.

  • The infection is passed on during subsequent anal intercourse.
  • Gonorrhea infection of the mouth
    Gonorrhea infection of the mouth results in:
    Inflammation in the throat often not recognized as gonorrhea. Oral gonorrhea is usually not infectious to others.

    What men should know about the symptoms of gonorrhea in women
    70% to 90% of women do not know they have gonorrhea as they have no symptoms.
    The incubation period is longer in women than men.
    Symptoms include

  • pain when passing urine

  • The need to pass urine more often

  • A strong smelling vaginal discharge that may be thin/watery or yellow/green

  • irritation or discharge from the anus
  • If left unrecognized or untreated symptoms will include some low abdominal or pelvic tenderness, swelling of the glands around the vaginal entrance.
    Infection can go into the fallopian tubes causing a fever, abdominal pains, backache, sickness, painful or excessive periods as well as pain during intercourse.
    If not treated gonorrhea infection causes sterility. Gonorrhea can also cause ectopic pregnancy, where the fetus develops in the fallopian tube leading to the woman's womb. This is a very dangerous condition and can result in a woman's death.
    Gonorrhea can also result in premature birth, umbilical cord inflammation and blindness of the baby.
    Although gonorrhea is a more localized infection if it is not treated it can spread to the blood stream and infect bone joints causing arthritis.

  • Tests Treatments for Gonorrhea
  • About.com Special Features

    Conquering High Cholesterol

    Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

    Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

    Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >