The infection may also enter the bloodstream, becoming widespread, resulting in infection of joints, skin, heart, liver and central nervous system. The disease is usually spread by carriers who do not have symptoms or who ignore symptoms. Symptoms depend on the site where the bacteria was introduced, the duration of infection, and whether the infection is localized or has spread. Symptoms in the male include a puss like discharge from the urethra with burning on urination and frequent urination. Those symptoms usually begin two to six days after exposure to the bacteria.
Some males never develop any symptoms.
Infection of the anal canal and throat are common as a result of oral and anal sex when one of the partners is infected. Symptoms of anal infection include anal burning, itching, pain or discharge. Infection of the throat may result in soreness with puss like material visible on the tonsils, or back of the throat, but occurs very often without symptoms or lesions. Symptoms in the female include increased vaginal discharge, burning on urination, frequent urination, abnormal menstrual bleeding, anal discomfort, and sore throat. Approximately nine percent of women who have experienced one episode of PID because of gonorrhea will be infertile due to permanent damage to the Fallopian tubes.