Gonorrhea, Primary Infection:
Information for adults

There may be no symptoms associated with gonorrhea, particularly in women.

Infection often starts with only mild symptoms of discomfort with urination. Later there may be frequent and painful urination or defecation; a thick, cloudy, or bloody discharge from the penis, vagina, or rectum; or pain with sexual intercourse. Throat infection may present a sore throat only.

Occasionally, the infection can spread throughout the body and presents with symptoms of fever, chills, swollen or painful joints, and small bumps that may be red or purple on the hands or feet.  This is referred to as the arthritis-dermatitis syndrome.