Gonorrhea is primarily transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. You can contract the infection even without penetration, and it can also pass from a mother to her baby during childbirth. It is important to know that the bacteria does not spread through casual contact like hugging, kissing, sneezing, or sharing utensils.
While many people do not notice any signs, gonorrhea symptoms may appear about 10 days after exposure. These can include pain or burning during urination, yellowish-white discharge, or inflammation in the throat or anus. In rare cases, you can also infect your eyes if you touch them with hands carrying contaminated fluids.
To prevent gonorrhea, you should use condoms during every sexual encounter. If you have had unprotected sex or notice any symptoms, you should see a gynecologist, urologist, or general practitioner immediately. Testing is the only way to confirm the diagnosis and ensure you receive the correct treatment to avoid complications like infertility. Read more about gonorrhea treatment your doctor may recommend.