Gonorrhea is caused by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae (also called gonococci). In Switzerland, the age group 25 to 44 years is most affected; gonorrhea is disproportionately common among men who have sex with men. You can get infected during oral, vaginal, and anal sex.
What are the signs of gonorrhea?
Signs of disease may be absent. When the urethra is infected discharge and burning often occurs. Women may experience vaginal discharge, urinary urgency, pain during urination and sexual intercourse. Infections in the throat are often asymptomatic, sometimes showing difficulty swallowing and redness. Pain, itching, and mucus or blood on the stool as well as stool irregularities may occur in the anal area.
How long does it take for signs of illness to appear in a gonorrhea infection?
Symptoms may appear after one day or up to 2 weeks later.
What can be the consequences of gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea can heal without treatment, but during this time you are infectious for weeks to months. If the infection is left untreated, complications may occur (inflammation in the genital area, and less frequently in other areas of the body).
