Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI), with cases rising considerably across Europe in recent years. In 2023, 106,331 cases of gonorrhoea were reported across Europe – a 303% increase compared with 2015. While diagnoses in England fell from 85,370 in 2023 to 71,802 in 2024, gonorrhoea remains a relatively common infection.
Despite how common it is, gonorrhoea isn’t always easy to spot. Some people experience no symptoms at all, meaning the infection can go unnoticed and potentially be passed on without someone knowing they have it.
With cases remaining high, understanding gonorrhoea is increasingly important – from how it spreads and the symptoms to look out for, to when to get tested and how the infection is treated.
Causes of gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is the second most common bacterial STI in the UK, caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which grows in warm, moist areas of the body, such as the reproductive tract, urethra and throat.
The STI is particularly prevalent in people under 25, and without early detection or early treatment, gonorrhoea can sometimes lead to more serious complications, which is why testing is important following potential exposure, even when you feel completely well.
How is gonorrhoea spread
Gonorrhoea is mainly spread through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has the infection. It can be passed through infected semen or vaginal fluids and by sharing sex toys that have not been washed or covered with a new condom between uses. You cannot catch gonorrhoea through everyday contact such as hugging, sharing towels or cutlery, or using toilet seats. The bacteria that cause gonorrhoea do not survive for long outside the human body, so the infection typically requires sexual contact to spread.
Gonorrhoea can also be passed from a pregnant person to their baby during childbirth, which can cause health complications for the baby, such as an eye infection.
It is important to remember that gonorrhoea can also infect different parts of the body, such as the throat. Throat gonorrhoea is usually contracted through oral sex with someone who has the infection. However, kissing is not considered a common way for gonorrhoea to spread.
Signs and symptoms of gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea can often be asymptomatic, meaning you may have the infection without experiencing any noticeable symptoms. In fact, around 50% of women and 10% of men with gonorrhoea may not experience symptoms.
When symptoms do occur, they typically appear within around 1–14 days of infection, although in some cases they may not appear until weeks or even months later.
Common symptoms of gonorrhoea include:
- Pain or a burning sensation when urinating
- Unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or anus
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
- Bleeding between periods or heavier periods
Symptoms can vary depending on where the infection is in the body. Gonorrhoea can also affect the rectum, throat and, less commonly, the eyes. Because symptoms are not always present or easy to recognise, testing is the only way to know for certain whether you have gonorrhoea.
Gonorrhoea long term effects
Leaving gonorrhoea untreated can sometimes lead to longer-term health complications in both men and women, even when the infection initially causes few or no noticeable symptoms.
- In women, gonorrhoea can spread to the reproductive organs and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID itself can also go unnoticed – around 70% of cases may have no symptoms. If left untreated, it can cause scarring and damage to the reproductive system, increasing the risk of chronic pelvic pain, fertility problems and ectopic pregnancy.
- Research has also found an association between gonorrhoea, high-risk HPV and the development of cervical cell abnormalities. However, HPV is the primary cause of cervical cell changes, and more research is needed to understand the role other infections such as gonorrhoea may play. You can read our blog on STIs and their link to cervical cancer here.
- In men, untreated gonorrhoea can spread from the urethra to the epididymis (the tube at the back of the testicles where sperm mature and are stored). This can cause pain and swelling and, in rare cases, may affect fertility.
- Gonorrhoea can also be passed from a mother to her baby during childbirth. This can cause complications for the baby, particularly an infection in the eyes which, without prompt treatment, can potentially damage their vision.
- In rare cases, gonorrhoea can also spread through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, causing a condition known as disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI). This can lead to symptoms affecting areas such as the joints and skin.
Getting tested and receiving appropriate treatment is therefore critical, even if you don’t have any symptoms.
How long does gonorrhoea last?
Gonorrhoea is unlikely to go away without treatment and, if left untreated, the infection can remain in the body and potentially lead to longer-term health complications. This is why getting tested and receiving the correct treatment is important if you think you may have been exposed to gonorrhoea.
Gonorrhoea treatment
Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection and is treated with antibiotics. Most cases can be treated successfully, although the exact treatment you receive will depend on factors such as your test results and whether antibiotic resistance is suspected.
Once treated with the appropriate antibiotics, symptoms will often begin to improve within a few days. You should avoid sexual contact for at least seven days after you and your sexual partner(s) have completed treatment to reduce the risk of passing the infection on or becoming infected again.
Some strains of gonorrhoea have developed resistance to commonly used antibiotics, sometimes referred to as “super gonorrhoea”.
While most gonorrhoea infections can still be successfully treated, antibiotic resistance is an increasing global public health concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) monitors antimicrobial resistance in gonorrhoea because of the growing threat it poses to effective treatment.
This makes early testing and diagnosis particularly important, as well as following your prescribed treatment and any advice about follow-up testing.
Gonorrhoea vaccine
In 2025, the UK introduced a vaccination programme to help protect people against gonorrhoea, following a record number of diagnoses in 2023.
The programme uses the MenB vaccine, which was originally developed to protect against meningitis but has also been found to offer some protection against gonorrhoea. It is estimated to be around 30–40% effective at preventing gonorrhoea, helping to reduce infections and limit the spread of the STI.
The vaccine is currently offered to gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men who are considered to be at higher risk of gonorrhoea. Eligibility is based on an individual risk assessment, so not everyone within these groups will necessarily be offered the vaccine. You can learn more about the vaccine for gonorrhoea on the NHS website.
Prevention of gonorrhoea
There are several ways you can reduce your risk of catching or passing on gonorrhoea. Practising safer sex is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your sexual partners. This includes:
- Using condoms every time you have sex
- Using condoms or dental dams during oral sex
- Washing sex toys or covering them with a new condom before sharing them
- Avoiding sexual contact if you or your partner have symptoms of an STI until you have been tested and received any necessary treatment
Regular STI testing is also important, particularly if you have new or multiple sexual partners. Having fewer sexual partners may reduce your exposure to gonorrhoea, but anyone who is sexually active can contract an STI. Using protection and getting tested when appropriate are important regardless of how many sexual partners you have.
Why is gonorrhoea called the clap?
You may have heard gonorrhoea referred to as “the clap”. This is an old slang term for gonorrhoea and does not mean chlamydia. It’s not completely clear where the nickname came from. One theory is that it comes from the Old English word clappan, meaning “to beat” or “to throb”, which may have been linked to symptoms of the infection.
Today, “the clap” is considered historical slang rather than a medical term.
Gonorrhoea home test kit
Testing for gonorrhoea doesn’t have to be complicated. With NorthGene™ at home STI testing kits, you can test for gonorrhoea discreetly and conveniently from the comfort and privacy of your own home.
We offer two at-home STI tests that detect gonorrhoea alongside other common STIs:
- Standard test: testing for gonorrhoea and chlamydia
- Enhanced test: testing for gonorrhoea, chlamydia, MGen and trichomoniasis for additional peace of mind
With NorthGene™, the process is designed to be simple and discreet from start to finish. Your test is delivered directly to your door in plain packaging and can be completed at home, without the need for appointments or waiting rooms.
Once your sample reaches our laboratory, our experienced team will process it, with results issued securely via email within 1–2 working days, depending on the test you choose. This gives you a fast and confidential way to check your sexual health and understand what steps, if any, you need to take next.
Protect your sexual health
Gonorrhoea doesn’t always come with obvious warning signs. You can have the infection without experiencing any symptoms, making regular STI testing an important part of looking after your sexual health.
Whether you have a new sexual partner, have had unprotected sex or simply want some reassurance, getting tested can give you the answers you need. If gonorrhoea is detected, knowing sooner means you can seek treatment and help reduce the risk of passing the infection on to someone else.
With NorthGene™, you can test from the privacy of your own home, making it easier to stay informed about your sexual health and take action when you need to. Order your NorthGene™ at home test kit today.
