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Gonorrhoea - Understanding Risks and Effective Treatments
What is Gonorrhoea?
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Gonorrhoea is a very common infectious disease. In 2016, over 800,000 new cases were reported in the United States (US).
In Singapore, gonorrhoea infections are most common among those between the ages of 20 and 40 with males accounting for more than 80% of cases (DSC, 2016).
What Are the Symptoms of Gonorrhoea?
Symptoms can vary depending on the area affected.
The most common symptoms are:
- Unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or anus
- Discomfort during urination
- Lower abdominal discomfort
Can Gonorrhoea Have No Symptoms?
Yes
In some cases, Gonorrhoea infection may not have any physical symptoms. Early diagnosis of Gonorrhoea through a screening test, followed by treatment with antibiotics reduces the risk of complications.
Screening plays an important role when sexually active, particularly for individuals with recent high risk sexual exposure or as part of a routine health check.
How do we contract Gonorrhoea?
Gonorrhoea can be spread during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
If you have had gonorrhoea and were treated, you can still get infected again through unprotected sex with someone with gonorrhoea.
Gonorrhea can also be spread perinatally from mother to baby during childbirth.
How can we tell that we may have Gonorrhoea?
When Should You Consider Gonorrhoea Screening in Singapore?
Consider testing if:
- Recent unprotected sexual contact
- Symptoms such as discharge from the penis, vagina or anus or discomfort when passing urine
- Partner diagnosed with an STI
- Regular routine screening
In Singapore, gonorrhoea screening is commonly performed by a GP, from urine samples or swabs from vagina, anus or throat.
Testing for Gonorrhoea
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT/NAT) are the most sensitive tests and suitable for self-collected vaginal swabs or urine-based screening. Tests may be done on:
• A urine sample
• A swab of the cervix, vagina, or urethra
An alternative test is a bacterial culture from a swab of the cervix, vagina, or urethra.
Cross Street Medical offers gonorrhoea screening tests. Speak to our doctors today about what you may need. Female doctors are available by appointment. We ensure patient privacy and confidentiality for all discussions, tests and treatments.
What does Gonorrhoea do to our bodies?
In men, gonorrhoea causes inflammation of the urethra (urethritis), epididymis (epididymitis) and prostate gland.
A rare complication is infertility. Gonorrhoea may also increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.
In women, gonorrhoea causes pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Complications of PID are infertility, ectopic pregnancy and long-term pelvic/abdominal pain.
If gonnorrhoea is left untreated, it can spread into the blood to become disseminated gonoccocal infection (DGI). DGI leads to skin pustules or petechia, septic arthritis, meningitis, or endocarditis. This may occur in women and men, and can be life-threatening.
Untreated gonorrhoea may also increase a person’s risk of HIV infection.
What is the treatment for Gonorrhoea?
Since 2015, the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organisation (WHO) recommend treatment with two antibiotics (to prevent antibiotic resistance).
No follow-up testing for gonorrhoea is recommended.
Early treatment achieves the following:
- Appropriate treatment cures the infection
- Reduce the risk of complications
- Prevents further spread to others
When seeking gonorrhoea treatment in Singapore, it is important to follow medical advice fully and complete the prescribed course of medication.
For positive cases, other sexually transmitted diseases/infections such as chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV should be tested.
Furthermore, all sexual partners (within 60 days of the onset of symptoms) should be screened for gonorrhoea and treated.
Cross Street Medical offers all relevant treatments for gonorrhoea. Speak to our doctors today about what you may need. Female doctors are available by appointment. We ensure patient privacy and confidentiality for all discussions, tests and treatments.
How do we prevent infection and re-infection?
- Avoiding high risk sex, including commercial sex workers, casual sex and multiple sex partners
- Using condoms, including during oral sex
- Being in a long-term monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative for gonorrhoea and other STDs/STIs
- If you are a sexually active man who is gay , bisexual, or who has sex with men , you should be tested for gonorrhoea and other STD/STI every year. If you are a sexually active woman with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner who has a sexually transmitted infection, you should be tested for gonorrhoea and other STD/STI every year.
Why Follow-Up is Important After Treatment
In some cases, follow-up testing may be advised to ensure that the infection has been successfully treated.
Sexual partners are advised to undergo testing.
Screening for Gonorrhoea in Singapore
Gonorrhoea screening is typically part of a broader STD/STI screening panel.
Depending on each person’s needs, tests may include urine or swab samples. If you are unsure which tests are appropriate, you may refer to our STD/STI Screening page
This page explains the types of tests available and what to expect during screening.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gonorrhoea
Yes. Some people may not notice any symptoms, especially in the early stages. This is why screening is often recommended when there has been a high risk sexual exposure.
Gonorrhoea is usually diagnosed through urine tests or swab samples from the affected area. A doctor will advise on the most appropriate test based on symptoms and risk.
Testing is typically advised after a short window period following exposure. A doctor can guide you on the appropriate timing of the test.
Yes. Gonorrhoea screening in Singapore is commonly available at GP clinics and may be part of a broader STD/STI screening panel.
If not treated, gonorrhoea may lead to complications affecting the reproductive system and may be spread to others (infectious).
Yes. Gonorrhoea can be treated with appropriate antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. Early treatment helps reduce the risk of complications.
Yes. Previous treatment does not prevent re-infection. It is possible to be infected again if exposed.
Yes. Partners should be advised to test.
A doctor will advise based on your treatment and recovery. It is generally recommended to follow medical guidance before resuming.
Testing in a GP setting is confidentiality, subject to government regulation (Personal Data and Protection Act). If you have concerns, you may discuss them with your doctor.
Medical Information Review
This page has been prepared for general patient education and should not replace a consultation with a doctor.
Reviewed by:Â Dr Reginald Tang
Clinic:Â Cross Street Medical Clinic
Last reviewed: 7 Aug 2026
References
Conveniently located near Chinatown MRT in Singapore, Cross Street Medical Clinic provides comprehensive healthcare services for professionals, residents, and businesses in Chinatown, Raffles Place, and Shenton Way. Whether you need discreet STD screening, general health check-ups, vaccinations, or chronic disease management, our experienced doctors ensure quality care with minimal waiting time.Â