The symptoms often are so mild that women are unaware they are infected and are only made aware of the disease because a sexual partner is infected. Symptoms may not appear for 1 to 3 weeks. The infection usually affects the cervix and reproductive organs but can involve the urethra. If symptoms appear in men, they generally show up on a average 3-5 days after exposure to the bacteria but might take as long as 30 days. With or without symptoms you are communicable within hours after exposure.
Men usually experience pain during urination followed by a milky discharge from the urethra.
This discharge can become more pronounced. Oral sex can produce pharyngeal gonorrhea and accompanying sore throat, pain on swallowing and redness of the threat and tonsil. The infection also can spread to the eye and cause conjunctivitis. Rectal gonorrhea can result from anal sex and can cause discomfort in the anal area and rectal discharge. Again, infected persons may experience no symptoms.