Bacterial

Gonorrhea

One of the most efficiently transmitted STIs — and antibiotic resistance is rising.

Cause

Bacterium (N. gonorrhoeae)

Asymptomatic

~50% women, ~10–30% men

Curable

Yes — but resistance rising

Vaccine

Overview

Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat. Transmission efficiency per act is among the highest of all STIs. Cases have risen sharply across Europe and North America since 2010. Antibiotic-resistant strains are a growing public health concern.

How it spreads

Vaginal sex (highly efficient in both directions)
Anal sex (very efficient, especially receptive)
Oral sex — throat infections are common and almost always asymptomatic
Sharing sex toys without cleaning
Mother to newborn during birth (eye infection)

Symptoms

Yellow or green discharge from penis or vagina
Pain or burning when urinating
Sore throat (throat infection)
Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding
Pelvic or abdominal pain (if PID develops)

Around 50% of cases in women and 10–30% in men are asymptomatic. Throat infections are almost always silent. Untreated gonorrhea can cause PID, infertility, and epididymitis.

Vaccine

No vaccine is currently available for Gonorrhea.

Treatment

Gonorrhea is curable with antibiotics, but resistance to most first-line drugs is now widespread. Current WHO-recommended treatment is a single injection of ceftriaxone (500 mg–1 g). Because resistance patterns vary by region, local guidelines matter. Partners must be tested and treated simultaneously.

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Educational purposes only. Consult a healthcare provider for personal medical advice.