Reviewed by The Wellness Team. Last reviewed October 2026.
Gonorrhoea is a common bacterial STI that often causes a yellow or green discharge and stinging when passing urine, but just as often causes no symptoms at all, particularly in women and in throat and rectal infections. It is diagnosed with a simple swab or urine test and, as of October 2026, UK guidelines treat it with a single ceftriaxone injection. If you have symptoms or a partner has tested positive, message us on WhatsApp for same-day testing and treatment.
What are the symptoms of gonorrhoea?
Symptoms usually start within about two weeks of exposure, though many infections stay silent. By site:
- In men: a yellow, green or white discharge from the penis, burning or stinging when passing urine, and occasionally testicular pain or swelling
- In women: often nothing at all. Where symptoms occur, the most common is a changed or increased vaginal discharge (in about half of cases), sometimes with lower abdominal pain or pain during sex
- Rectal infection: usually no symptoms, though it can cause anal discharge or discomfort
- Throat infection: almost always no symptoms, occasionally a sore throat
Because silent infection is so common, testing after unprotected sex with a new partner is the sensible default rather than waiting for symptoms. Left untreated, gonorrhoea can spread to the pelvis in women (pelvic inflammatory disease, which can affect fertility) and to the testicles in men, and very rarely to the blood and joints.
How is gonorrhoea diagnosed?
Testing is quick and does not require an examination in most cases. A NAAT (a highly accurate DNA test, over 95% sensitive) is run on:
- A first-catch urine sample for men
- A self-taken vaginal swab for women
- Throat and rectal swabs where relevant to the sex you have had
As of October 2026, the BASHH national guideline also recommends a culture test before treatment wherever possible, because it checks which antibiotics the infection is sensitive to and tracks resistance. A full STI screen is done at the same time, because gonorrhoea often travels with chlamydia and other infections. WhatsApp us and we can arrange testing the same day through our STI testing service.
What is the treatment for gonorrhoea?
As of October 2026, the BASHH 2025 UK national guideline recommends a single injection of ceftriaxone 1 g into the muscle as first-line treatment for uncomplicated gonorrhoea, and it remains highly effective. One practical update worth knowing: routine test of cure is no longer needed for genital or rectal infections treated with ceftriaxone when the infection is sensitive to it. A test of cure, done at least two weeks after treatment, is still recommended if symptoms persist, if the infection is in the throat, during pregnancy, or if a different antibiotic was used.
You should not have sex until seven days after both you and any partners have been treated, because reinfection from an untreated partner is the most common reason gonorrhoea comes back. Partners need testing and usually treatment too, and UK guidance treats partner notification as an essential part of care. We handle this discreetly and can help with how to raise it. WhatsApp us and we will sort testing and treatment for you both.
Can an online GP help with gonorrhoea today?
Yes. A same-day phone or video consultation can assess your symptoms, arrange NAAT testing near you, coordinate treatment through the right clinic or prescriber, and put the full screen, partner advice and follow-up in one plan. Everything is confidential.
As of October 2026, a phone consultation with The Online GP costs £59, a video consultation costs £150, and an in-person appointment at 10 Portman Square, Marylebone costs £220. Message us on WhatsApp and you can usually be speaking to a doctor within minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Can gonorrhoea go away on its own?
Symptoms can fade, but the infection usually persists and can keep causing damage or be passed to partners. Treatment is a single injection, so there is no reason to wait and hope.
How soon after sex can I test?
NAAT tests are reliable from about two weeks after exposure. If you test earlier because of symptoms, the result may need repeating. We can advise on timing when you message us.
Do I need a test of cure afterwards?
Not routinely for genital or rectal infections treated with ceftriaxone, under the 2025 BASHH guideline. You do need one if symptoms persist, the infection is in the throat, you are pregnant, or a different antibiotic was used. It is done at least two weeks after treatment.
Can you get gonorrhoea in the throat?
Yes, through oral sex. Throat infections almost never cause symptoms, which is why swabs are offered based on the sex you have had rather than on symptoms alone.
Will anyone find out I have been tested?
No. Testing and treatment through us are confidential, and results are shared only with you.
Sources: British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH): UK national guideline on the management of infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae, 2025. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries (CKS): Gonorrhoea. Prices and services as of October 2026.
Reviewed by The Wellness Team.