Symptoms of gonococcal urethritis typically include a discharge from the penis and burning pain with urination. Anal infections can occur in homosexually active men and usually do not cause symptoms. Pain with a bowel movement, pus or blood in the stool might indicate an anal gonorrhea infection. In women, early gonorrhea infections usually do not cause any symptoms. Women who do have symptoms may notice an increased vaginal discharge, burning pain with urination, or unusual abdominal pain.
Anal infections can also develop in women who have had receptive anal intercourse.
To diagnose gonorrhea, a special test must be done by a health professional. This procedure involves swabbing the area where a person could be infected, such as the penis or cervix, and sending the specimen to a laboratory. Results of a gonorrhea test are usually available in one to two days. Gonorrhea infections are easily treated with an antibiotic medication. Your clinician will advise you about the best drug to use for your particular infection.