Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Many women have no symptoms, while others notice discharge, pain when urinating or bleeding between periods. It is diagnosed with a PCR test on a vaginal swab or urine sample and is curable with antibiotics, usually an injection, followed by partner treatment and retesting.
- Cause
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria
- Symptoms
- Often none in women
- Test
- Swab or urine PCR; culture if needed
- Treatment
- Usually a single antibiotic injection
- No sex
- For 7 days after treatment
- Retest
- About 3 months later
What is gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is spread through vaginal, oral or anal sex and can infect the cervix, urethra, rectum and throat. It can also be passed to a baby during birth. It is often found together with chlamydia, which is why the two are usually tested from the same sample.
An important public-health concern is antimicrobial resistance: gonorrhea has become resistant to several older antibiotics, so treatment should follow current guidelines rather than leftover or online medication.
Symptoms of gonorrhea in women
About half of women with gonorrhea have no symptoms. Possible signs include:
- Thin or yellow-green vaginal discharge
- Pain or burning when passing urine
- Bleeding between periods or after sex
- Lower abdominal pain
- Rectal discomfort or a sore throat after oral or anal sex
Testing and treatment at Yoonho, step by step
- Consultation in English Your doctor reviews symptoms, partners and possible exposure sites (vaginal, throat, rectal).
- Samples A vaginal swab or urine sample for PCR; throat or rectal swabs if relevant. A culture may be taken to check antibiotic sensitivity.
- Results PCR results typically return in about 2–4 days. Other STIs can be tested at the same time — see the STD test panel.
- Treatment Current guidelines generally recommend a single injection of ceftriaxone. If chlamydia has not been ruled out, treatment for it may be added.
- Follow-up Retesting is advised about 3 months later, and a test of cure is recommended for throat infections or if symptoms continue.
Gonorrhea infects the cervix and can spread upward to the uterus and fallopian tubes if untreated.
Guideline-based antibiotic treatment clears the infection and lowers the risk of pelvic complications.
Gonorrhea vs. chlamydia
| Gonorrhea | Chlamydia | |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Neisseria gonorrhoeae | Chlamydia trachomatis |
| Symptoms in women | Often none; discharge, pain urinating | Often none; discharge, bleeding after sex |
| Test | PCR swab/urine; culture | PCR swab/urine |
| Usual treatment | Antibiotic injection | Antibiotic tablets (often 7 days) |
| Resistance concern | High | Low |
| Main complication | PID, infertility | PID, infertility |
Complications and protecting partners
Untreated gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, tubal scarring, chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy and infertility. It also raises the risk of acquiring or passing on HIV.
- Avoid sex until 7 days after you and your partner(s) have been treated.
- Recent partners (usually from the last 60 days) should be tested and treated.
- Condoms reduce, but do not completely remove, the risk of infection.
Cost and documents for international patients
At Yoonho Women's Hospital in Apgujeong, gonorrhea testing is usually part of an STD panel. As a general guide, a basic panel is about ₩100,000–200,000; a written estimate is given after consultation. Residents with National Health Insurance may be covered for treatment of a diagnosed infection. English results, receipts and certificates are available for insurance claims.
Why international patients choose Yoonho
Frequently asked questions
Can gonorrhea be cured?
Yes. Gonorrhea is curable with the right antibiotics. Because of rising resistance, it should be treated according to current guidelines and followed up with retesting.
Can I take antibiotics I already have?
This is not recommended. Many older antibiotics no longer work reliably against gonorrhea, and incomplete treatment can encourage resistance.
How soon can gonorrhea be detected?
PCR tests are generally reliable from about 1–2 weeks after exposure. Your doctor may suggest repeating an early test.
Can I get gonorrhea from oral sex?
Yes. Gonorrhea can infect the throat, often without symptoms, so throat swabs may be recommended depending on your history.
Will my results be kept private?
Yes. Results are shared only with you and explained in English, and you decide how to inform partners.
OB-GYN Specialist · Director of OB-GYN
M.D., Ewha Womans University College of Medicine · Former Clinical Instructor, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital · Member, Korean Society of Menopause
Last reviewed: . This page is for general information and does not replace an in-person consultation.
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Yoonho Hospital · 304 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00, Sat 9:00–13:00 · Walk-ins welcome.