Gonorrhoea is caused by Neisseiria gonorrhoeae. It can be found on the cervix, in the urethra, rectum, throat or conjunctiva, depending on the type of sexual intercourse causing the infection.

In about half the cases, an infected person does not notice any changes. This is called a mute (asymptomatic) infection.

In women, inflammation of the urethra and cervical mucous membrane often progress without any notable problems, so chronic infection is more frequent and may spread to the ovarian tubes and ovaries.

Inflammation of the urea in men usually appears from 3 to 7 days after infection, its usual symptoms being a purulent, yellowish or greenish discharge, itching and burning sensation on urination. An untreated infection gradually becomes chronic, in which the discharge may stop entirely and is transferred to the bladder, prostate or epididymis. The symptoms include an urge to urinate, painful erections, sometimes fever.

After unprotected anal sexual intercourses, inflammation of the rectal mucous membrane may develop, bloody, purulent rectal discharge may appear, as well as an itching sensation or an urge to defecate.

Throat infection usually progresses without any particular symptoms; inflammation and sensitivity when swallowing may develop.

Gonorrhoea can be efficiently treated with appropriate antibiotics.