As the infection progresses, pain in the urethra increases and the discharge thickens and grows more profuse. In both men and women, gonorrhea of the rectum and anus may result from anal intercourse with an infected person or from spreading of the infection from the genital area. In many cases, no symptoms develop. Or it may cause discomfort and discharge from the anal area. Oral sex can lead to infection in the pharynx, causing sore throat, pain on swallowing, redness of the throat and tonsils or no symptoms.
Gonorrhea is spread through unprotected sex with an infected person.
The more sexual partners you have, the greater your risk. An infected woman also can pass gonorrhea to her newborn during delivery. Use a latex condom during sexual intercourse to prevent spread of the disease. Your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic aimed at eliminating the specific strain of gonorrhea. A single injection of ceftriaxone may cure the infection.