Can Gonorrhea Go Away on Its Own?

Many people have no symptoms of gonorrhea, especially women. Because of this, people often do not know they have gonorrhea, so it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis at the first sign of infection. 

Symptoms of gonorrhea in both males and females include: 

• If the urethra is infected:
  • Pain or burning during urination 
• If the rectum is infected:
  • Soreness
  • Painful bowel movements
  • Anal itching
  • Rectal discharge 
  • Constipation
  • Bleeding
• If the throat or mouth is infected:
  • Usually causes no symptoms
  • May cause sore throat

Symptoms of gonorrhea in males include: 

• Milky, yellow, or green discharge from the penis
• Pain and swelling in one testicle (less common)

Symptoms of gonorrhea in females include: 

• Vaginal itching 
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods

• The Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria causes gonorrhea. The bacteria are spread from person to person during vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
• Pregnant women who have gonorrhea can pass the infection to their babies during childbirth.
• The risk of getting gonorrhea is increased in people who have a new sexual partner, more than one sexual partner, or who have other sexually transmitted infections.

Gonorrhea is diagnosed with: 

• A swab of the vagina or cervix (in women)
• A urine sample (in men)
• A swab of the mouth or rectum

Gonorrhea does not go away on its own. Untreated gonorrhea can result in serious complications, such as:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women 
  • Scarring of the fallopian tubes 
  • Infertility 
  • Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy 
• Epididymitis in men, which can lead to infertility
• Bloodstream infection, accompanied by joint infection and arthritis
• Higher risk of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• During pregnancy
  • Miscarriage 
  • Premature birth
  • Passing the infection to the baby during delivery
    • Can cause conjunctivitis that can damage the baby's eyes and affect vision over time