ThanksDoc
Sign in
Skip to content

Gonorrhoea

A common STI, often with few symptoms. Needs specific, clinic-based treatment.

Speak to a GP about gonorrhoeaFrom £79

In short

Gonorrhoea is a common STI that often has few symptoms. Because of antibiotic resistance, it's best confirmed by testing and treated at a sexual health clinic with a follow-up test of cure. NHS testing and treatment are free.

Overview

What is gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria. It can infect the genitals, rectum, or throat and often causes few or no symptoms. Untreated, it can cause complications including pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Rising antibiotic resistance means treatment is specific, an injection given at a clinic, with a test of cure afterwards.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

  • Often no symptoms, especially in women
  • Thick green or yellow discharge from the penis or vagina
  • Pain or burning when urinating
  • Bleeding between periods (women)
  • Testicular pain or swelling (men)
  • Rectal or throat symptoms depending on the site

When to act

When to see a doctor

Book a GP if you have symptoms or a risk of exposure and want advice on testing and next steps. Confirmed gonorrhoea is treated at an NHS sexual health service, which is free.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if

  • Severe pelvic or abdominal pain with fever (possible pelvic inflammatory disease)
  • Testicular pain and swelling
  • Joint pain, rash, or feeling unwell (rare disseminated infection)
  • Symptoms in pregnancy

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.

Treatment

How a private GP can help

  • A confidential assessment of symptoms and risk
  • Guidance on getting tested at a sexual health service (needed to confirm and guide treatment)
  • Explanation of why treatment is an antibiotic injection given at a clinic
  • Advice on partner testing and treatment
  • Advice to avoid sex until treatment is complete and confirmed
  • Referral to an NHS sexual health service for treatment and a test of cure (free)

What we don't do

  • The recommended antibiotic injection and test of cure (NHS sexual health services)
  • Partner notification and on-site STI testing (free via NHS services)

Pricing

What it costs

An online consultation about gonorrhoea starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Confirmed gonorrhoea is treated at a free NHS sexual health service; your consultation covers assessment and guidance.

See full pricing breakdown

FAQ

Common questions about gonorrhoea

How is gonorrhoea treated?
The recommended treatment is an antibiotic injection (ceftriaxone), usually given at a sexual health clinic, because of rising antibiotic resistance. We assess you and direct you to the right place for testing and treatment.
Can you prescribe antibiotics for it?
Because of resistance, gonorrhoea should be confirmed by testing and treated with the recommended injection at a clinic, with a follow-up test of cure. We'll guide you there promptly.
Can it have no symptoms?
Yes, particularly in women and with throat or rectal infections. Testing is important after unprotected sex or a positive partner.
Do partners need treating?
Yes, recent partners should be tested and treated. Sexual health services help with confidential partner notification.
See all conditions we can help with

Ready to talk to a GP about gonorrhoea?

Message Emily on WhatsApp or book online in under 90 seconds. UK-registered doctors, available today.

Start on WhatsApp

7 days a week · 08:00–22:00 · WhatsApp or email