Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It primarily affects the mucous membranes of the urethra, rectum, and throat. In men, gonorrhea can lead to serious health complications if not diagnosed and treated promptly.

Gonorrhea is transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact with an infected partner. The bacterium thrives in warm, moist areas of the body, making the urethra and rectum common sites of infection in men.

Although the infection is highly contagious, it does not spread through casual contact such as hugging, sharing utensils, or using public facilities.

Causes and Risk Factors

Gonorrhea spreads through direct sexual contact with infected secretions.

Men are at increased risk of infection if they:

Engage in unprotected sexual activity

Have multiple sexual partners

Have a partner with an STI

Have a history of previous STIs

Do not undergo regular STI screenings

Signs and Symptoms of Gonorrhea in Men

Symptoms typically appear 2 to 7 days after exposure but may take up to two weeks to develop. Some men remain asymptomatic, which increases the likelihood of unknowingly transmitting the infection to others.

Common symptoms include:

Pain or burning sensation during urination

Yellow, green, or white discharge from the penis

Redness or swelling at the opening of the penis

Pain or swelling in one testicle

Persistent sore throat (in cases of oral infection)

Rectal pain, itching, discharge, or bleeding (in cases of anal infection)

If left untreated, gonorrhea can progress and cause serious complications.

Possible Complications

Untreated gonorrhea can lead to:

Epididymitis – inflammation of the epididymis that may cause infertility

Prostatitis – infection or inflammation of the prostate gland

Disseminated Gonococcal Infection (DGI) – when bacteria spread to the bloodstream, leading to joint pain, skin lesions, and fever

Increased susceptibility to HIV infection

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent these outcomes.

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider may use the following diagnostic tests to confirm gonorrhea:

Urine test – detects the DNA of Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Swab test – collects samples from the urethra, rectum, or throat for laboratory analysis

In many cases, testing for chlamydia is performed simultaneously, as coinfection is common.

Treatment

Gonorrhea is curable with appropriate antibiotic therapy, although antibiotic resistance remains a global concern.

According to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, the recommended treatment for uncomplicated gonorrhea is:

Ceftriaxone 500 mg administered as a single intramuscular injection

If chlamydial infection has not been ruled out, the following is also prescribed:

Doxycycline 100 mg orally twice daily for seven days

All recent sexual partners should be tested and treated concurrently to prevent reinfection. Patients are advised to abstain from sexual activity for at least seven days after treatment and until symptoms resolve.

Prevention

Effective preventive strategies include:

Consistent and correct condom use during all sexual encounters

Regular STI screenings, especially for sexually active individuals under 35 or those with multiple partners

Mutual monogamy with an uninfected partner

Avoiding shared sexual devices, or ensuring they are cleaned properly

Open communication with partners about sexual health

When to Seek Medical Attention

Men should seek prompt medical evaluation if they experience any of the following:

Painful urination or penile discharge

Testicular pain or swelling

Rectal discomfort or bleeding

Persistent sore throat after oral sex

Early consultation allows for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, reducing the risk of long-term complications and transmission to others.

Gonorrhea remains a significant public health concern, particularly among sexually active men. With timely diagnosis, proper antibiotic therapy, and responsible sexual practices, gonorrhea is both treatable and preventable. Regular screening and patient education are key components in controlling the spread of this infection.