What is Gonorrhea Infection in Men?

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacteria. In men, gonorrhea causes infection in the penis, rectum or throat.

What causes gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is usually passed from one person to another during sex or close contact with the genitals, mouth or rectum. Gonorrhea can also be passed from the genitals to the eyes.

At birth if the mother has a gonorrhea infection, the baby can get an eye infection.

What are common symptoms of gonorrhea in a man?

Many men do not have symptoms and do not know they have the infection. Men who have symptoms may have a yellowish or cloudy, thick discharge or drainage from the penis, pain or discomfort when urinating, pain in the testicles, an inflamed painful rectum, or a sore throat.

How can gonorrhea be prevented?

• Your care provider will ask you questions about your medical and sexual history and then do an exam of your penis and testicles. Tests may be done on the urine or on the fluid from the penis, rectum or throat. You may have to wait several days to get your test results. Your care provider may start you on medicine before the test results come back.
• Gonorrhea is cured with medicine. Take all of the medicine as written on the bottle, even if your symptoms go away.
• If you do not take the medicine for gonorrhea, the bacteria may move into your testicles and you may become sterile (unable to father a child). You can also spread the infection to other people.
• Many people who get gonorrhea also get Chlamydia at the same time, so most people are given medicine for both infections.
• Tell your sexual partner(s) to go to their doctor or clinic and get treated. It is very important that any person that you have had sex with in the last 2 months take the medicine.
• Follow the instructions from your care provider if follow up visits are needed.
• Do not have sex until you and your partner(s) have taken all of the medicine and your care provider says it is safe.
• To lower your risk of getting an STD or HIV, always use latex condoms when you have sex.