Gonorrhea Symptoms in Men – What You Need to Know

When dealing with gonorrhea symptoms in men, the signs that appear after infection, such as discharge, pain, or swelling, can be easy to miss if you don’t know what to look for. Also called the clap, this sexually transmitted infection (STI) often shows up quietly, but catching it early stops complications. Below we break down the most frequent complaints, why they happen, and how modern testing pinpoints the bug.

Another key player is Gonorrhea, a bacterial infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae that spreads through unprotected genital, anal, or oral contact. It belongs to the broader group of Sexually Transmitted Infections, infections transmitted mainly through sexual activity, including chlamydia, syphilis, and HPV. Understanding how gonorrhea fits into the STI landscape helps you see why safe sex practices matter for every partner.

Early diagnosis hinges on the Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT), the most reliable lab method available. This test detects the bacterium’s genetic material from urine or swab samples, providing results faster than older culture methods. When a test comes back positive, doctors face a new challenge: rising antibiotic resistance, the ability of gonorrhea strains to survive medicines that once killed them easily. Resistance drives the shift to dual therapy—usually an injection of ceftriaxone plus oral azithromycin—to ensure the infection clears.

Typical Signs and Why They Matter

Most men notice a thin, cloudy, or yellowish discharge from the penis. The discharge often makes the tip look wet or sticky, especially after waking. Burning or pain while urinating follows quickly, because the urethra is inflamed by the bacteria. Some men also feel a dull ache or swelling in the testicles—a sign the infection may be moving upward. In rare cases, a fever or joint pain can appear if the bacteria spread to the bloodstream, a condition called disseminated gonococcal infection.

These symptoms form a clear pattern: urethral irritation leads to discharge, which triggers discomfort during urination, and the inflammation can extend to surrounding tissues. Recognizing this chain helps you act fast—delaying care can lead to epididymitis, infertility, or increased transmission risk. Even if symptoms fade on their own, the infection can linger, so testing is crucial.

Because the disease often mimics other STIs, many clinicians recommend a full STI screen when gonorrhea is suspected. Pairing the NAAT with a test for chlamydia, for example, catches co‑infections that would otherwise be missed. Treatment usually involves a single dose of ceftriaxone plus oral azithromycin, but the exact regimen may vary if local resistance patterns dictate alternative drugs.

Now that you understand the headline symptoms, the link to testing, and how resistance shapes treatment, you’re ready to explore the detailed articles below. Each post digs deeper into how to recognize signs early, compare treatment options, and stay ahead of antibiotic trends. Keep reading to arm yourself with the knowledge you need to act quickly and stay healthy.