Gonorrhoea Explained to Africans: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Isma Butt, DPT, DLHA Volunteer and Freelance Medical Writer. Medically reviewed by: Temitope Oyetunji, MB. BS, FWACP (Family Medicine).

November 19, 2025

Image of a black couple holding hands with a caption saying: “Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection”.  Image credit. Freepik

 

Highlights

• Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria and can infect the genitals, rectum, or throat.

• Many people with gonorrhea do not have symptoms, especially women, which increases the risk of spreading it unknowingly.

• Gonorrhea spreads through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex and can also pass from mother to baby during childbirth.

• Early testing and antibiotic treatment are essential to prevent serious health problems and stop the infection from spreading.

• Using condoms and reducing the number of sexual partners are effective ways to prevent gonorrhea.

 

Introduction 

Gonorrhoea is considered one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide. Despite being treatable, it is a major public health issue in African communities. It usually goes unnoticed, especially in women, leading to severe health complications.

This infection affects millions of individuals across the continent every year. Understanding gonorrhoea, its symptoms, modes of transmission, and how it is treated is essential to protect individual and community health.

This article aims to raise awareness and provide you with accurate information on gonorrhoea. It will also enable you to recognise, prevent, and seek prompt treatment if you ever catch the infection.

 

What is gonorrhoea?

Illustration showing parts and organs of the body that can be infected with the bacteria causing gonorrhoea. Click on image to enlarge.

 

Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium (germ) named Neisseria gonorrhoeae. When you get infected, commonly through sexual contact, this tiny germ lives in the moist parts of your body and attacks the mucous membrane (lining) of your genital (reproductive) organs, including the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes in women and the urethra in both men and women.

In addition to the genitals, it can also attack the throat, anus, rectum, and eyes. There is a widespread misconception that gonorrhoea only affects the genitals, but it can impact other body parts as well.

Related: How Gonorrhoea Causes Blindness

 

What are the symptoms of gonorrhoea?

Infoposter listing some symptoms of gonorrhoea. Click on the image to enlarge.

 

It is important to recognise how gonorrhoea affects the body. The symptoms can be different in men and women. In some cases, infected individuals may not show any symptoms, yet may transmit the infection. The symptoms typically appear 1–14 days after exposure to an infected individual.

Symptoms in women:

Many women experience no symptoms. When they occur, they are often mild and may include:

• Increased vaginal discharge.
• Burning pain while urinating.
• Pain in the lower abdomen.
• Bleeding between periods or after sex.

Related: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in Africa: Diagnosis and Treatment

Symptoms in men:

• Pain or burning when urinating.
• Thick yellow, green, or white penile discharge.
• Pain and swelling in the testicles.

Symptoms of rectal and throat infection:

• Anal/Rectal infections cause pain, discharge, itching, or bleeding.
• Throat infections can cause a sore throat, but in many cases they are asymptomatic.

Because the symptoms are not always obvious, particularly in women, regular testing is crucial if you're sexually active or suspect exposure.

As gonorrhoea may occur at the same time with other sexually transmitted infections like trichomoniasis and chlamydia, the symptoms of gonorrhoea may also be compounded by the symptoms of these other infections.

Related: Common Vaginal Infections in Nigerian Women and Syphilis Explained to Africans: Symptoms and Treatment

 

How is gonorrhoea transmitted?

• Unprotected sexual contact
• Mother to child transmission

Unprotected sexual contact

Gonorrhoea is transmitted through unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex with an infected individual. In African communities, factors like low condom use, multiple sexual partners, and limited access to healthcare services increase the risk of transmission.

Mother-to-child transmission:

Image showing the close up of an infant's eyes covered with thick, whitish gray secretions following gonorrhea eye infection. This condition is also known as neonatal gonoccocal conjunctivitis or ophthalmia neonatorum. Click on image to enlarge. 

 

A pregnant mother infected with gonorrhoea can pass gonorrhoea to her baby during childbirth, which can lead to severe eye infection (neonatal conjunctivitis) or blindness in the newborn.

Related:  Gonorrhoea Eye Infection in the Newborn: What Africans Need to Know

Common misconceptions exist about other ways that gonorrhoea is transmitted, but most of these are not true.

For example, gonorrhoea cannot spread through:

• Sharing utensils casually.
• Using general toilet seats.
• Touching, hugging or kissing casually

However that there is a possibility of transmission through objects contaminated with infected body fluids.

 

What are the risk factors for gonorrhoea?

Infoposter showing gonorrhoea risk factors. Click on image to enlarge.

 

Gonorrhoea can affect anyone who engages in unprotected sex with an infected individual. However, certain groups are at higher risk:

• Men who have sex with men.
• Female partners of bisexual men.
• Transgender women.
• Sex workers.
• Those who have new or multiple sexual partners.
• Young and sexually active individuals (15-24 years).
• People with other STIs such as HIV.

Recognising these risk factors is essential for prevention.

 

How is gonorrhoea diagnosed?

Info poster showing how gonorrhoea is diagnosed. Click on image to enlarge.

 

To diagnose gonorrhoea, your healthcare provider will obtain your complaints and full medical history, which will include your sexual history and if you have had unprotected sex recently. 

A physical check of your body parts will be performed and this may include observations of any discharge from your sex organs.

Your provider may also ask you to undergo some laboratory tests. These tests are conducted confidentially with due privacy and usually involves either a culture and or a check for the genetic materials of the Niesseria gonorrhoeae bacteria from samples taken from you. These samples may be: 

• Urine: Common for men. Detects the bacteria in urine.
• Swabs:  From the cervix, urethra, throat, rectum, or eyes, depending on the suspected site of infection.

Early diagnosis allows timely treatment and helps stop the spread of infection.

 

How is gonorrhoea treated?

Treatment typically involves the administration of antibiotics. In some African countries, gonorrhoea is usually treated with an injection called ceftriaxone, and in some places, doctors may also give another pill called azithromycin if they suspect a second infection like chlamydia. 

Some African clinics still use both medicines together, but worldwide experts now say the injection alone is usually enough, because the germ has started to resist the extra pill. The most important thing is to follow the treatment given by your local doctor or clinic, since they know what works best in your area.

Important Treatment Guidelines:

• Take all prescribed antibiotics as instructed.
• Avoid sexual activity until treatment is complete and follow-up tests confirm the infection is gone.
• Inform your partner(s), so they can also be treated and tested. This helps prevent reinfection.

 

Why is gonorrhoea a serious concern?

If left untreated, gonorrhoea causes severe complications.

In women:

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): An infection of the fallopian tubes and uterus that causes pain. This may lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancy (fertilised egg develops outside the uterus), a life-threatening condition.

In men:

Epididymitis: Inflammation of the testicles that causes pain and swelling, and leads to infertility.

In both men and women:

• The infection can spread to the bloodstream or joints. This can cause arthritis or infection in the heart valves.
• Gonorrhoea also puts one at risk of contracting or transmitting HIV.

Antimicrobial resistance:

Another issue in Africa and globally is that gonorrhoea is becoming increasingly difficult to treat. The bacteria have developed resistance to many commonly used antibiotics (i.e., inability of drugs to kill bacteria effectively). As a result, treatment often requires a combination of drugs, as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

 

How can you prevent gonorrhoea?

Infoposter on how to prevent gonorrhea. Click on image to enlarge. 

 

Preventing gonorrhoea is simple and requires awareness and responsible behaviour. Here's what you can do:

• Use condoms correctly and consistently during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. 
• Reduce the number of sexual partners. The fewer partners you have, the less the risk of getting an infection.
• Get tested regularly for STIs, especially if you are young, have new or multiple partners.
• Be open with your partner and discuss sexual health and STI testing.
• Avoid sexual activity if you or your partner has symptoms until both of you are tested and treated.
• Pregnant women should get tested during prenatal visits to protect themselves and their babies.
• Promote community education programmes to create awareness and eliminate stigma.

Remember, prevention keeps you and everybody safe.

 

Addressing Common Myths

Let's clear up some common misunderstandings about gonorrhea.

Myth: You can get gonorrhea from toilets or pools.

Fact: The bacteria cannot survive on surfaces. It only spreads through intimate sexual contact.

Myth: If you have no symptoms, you are fine.

Fact: Many people have no symptoms but can still spread the infection and suffer long-term damage.

Myth: Traditional herbs or remedies can cure it.

Fact: Only specific prescription antibiotics can cure gonorrhea. Delaying proper treatment can lead to severe health problems.

 

Challenges to gonorrhoea control in African communities

Efforts to control gonorrhoea are affected by several challenges. Some of these include:

• Social stigma: Fear of judgment discourages people from seeking care.
• Limited access to healthcare: Especially in rural or low-resource areas.
• Antibiotic resistance: Reduces the effectiveness of standard treatments.
• Misinformation: Myths and a lack of sexual health education lead to risky behaviours and delayed treatments.

Addressing these issues requires collaboration between governments, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and non-governmental organisations.

 

When and where to get help

Get medical help immediately if you notice signs of gonorrhoea or believe you’ve been exposed. Visit your nearest clinic or healthcare centre to get tested and receive the necessary treatment. Early treatment prevents complications and limits the spread of infection.

Support groups and health education programmes also provide valuable resources. Always communicate openly with your healthcare provider and partner.

Remember that gonorrhoea can be treated. The earlier you get help, the better the outcome will be.

 

Conclusion

If you are sexually active, take a moment today to commit to practicing safer sex. Notable guidelines include abstaining from sex with multiple partners, using condoms at every sexual encounter when there is no desire for pregnancy, avoiding the use of alcohol or other substances prior to and during sexual contact,  and undertaking periodic testing for gonorrhoea and other sexually transmitted infections regardless of symptoms. Also have clear conversation with your partner about safer sexual practice and encourage them to get tested as well. 

By staying informed and responsible, you can do your part to protect your sexual health and contribute to reducing the impact of gonorrhoea in Africa.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I have gonorrhea without feeling sick?

A: Yes. Many people do not have symptoms but can still pass the infection to others. You should get tested if you have unprotected sex.

Q: How do I know if I have gonorrhea?

A: Some people notice pain during urination, unusual discharge, or bleeding. If you think you may be at risk, visit a clinic for testing.

Q: Can gonorrhea cause serious health problems?

A: Yes, if left untreated it can cause long-term problems like infertility, pain, and increase the chance of getting HIV.

Q: How can I protect myself and my partners?

A: Yes, use condoms correctly every time you have sex, limit the number of sexual partners, and get tested regularly.

Q: What if my partner does not want to get treated?

A: Explain the importance of treatment to avoid passing the infection back and forth. You can ask your healthcare provider for advice on partner notification.

 

Resources:

1. World Health Organisation (WHO). Gonorrhoea Fact Sheet. [internet. n.d]. Cited August 30, 2025. Available from here

2. Jarolimova J, Chidumwa G, Chimbindi N, et al. Prevalence of Curable Sexually Transmitted Infections in a Population-Representative Sample of Young Adults in a High HIV Incidence Area in South Africa. Sex Transm Dis. 2023;50(12):796-803. doi:10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001871. Available from here

3, NHS. Gonorrhoea Symptoms and Treatment. [internet. n.d]. Cited August 30, 2025. Available from here

4. Oduoye MO, Langat AK, Cakwira H, et al. The burden, elimination efforts and implications for health policy of Gonorrhoea in Africa: An editorial. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2024;86(4):1830-1832. Published 2024 Mar 4. doi:10.1097/MS9.0000000000001854. Available from here

 

 

Published: November 19, 2025

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