Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat. Many people infected with gonorrhea do not develop noticeable symptoms, which raises the question: is it possible to transmit gonorrhea to a partner if you don’t have symptoms?
What is Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is spread through unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal sex with an infected partner. The bacteria can infect the mucous membranes of the penis, vagina, rectum, urethra, throat, and eyes.
Gonorrhea used to be easily treated with antibiotics, but drug-resistant strains have now emerged that are more difficult to cure. That makes prevention and prompt treatment essential.
Common Symptoms
When symptoms of gonorrhea do develop, they often appear 2 to 14 days after infection. However, it can take much longer for symptoms to begin. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Thick, cloudy, or bloody discharge from the penis or vagina
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating
- Pain in the testicles or pelvic area in men
- Bleeding between periods in women
- Itching, burning, soreness, swelling, or redness of the genitals
- Painful or swollen glands in the throat (gonorrhea of the throat)
- Anal discharge, itching, soreness, bleeding, or painful bowel movements (anal gonorrhea)
- Infection in the eyes (rare)
However, it’s important to note that many infected people, especially women, do not develop any symptoms of gonorrhea.
Is it Possible to Transmit Gonorrhea Without Symptoms?
Yes, both men and women can transmit gonorrhea even if they do not have noticeable symptoms of the infection. Here’s why:
Asymptomatic Infection
Gonorrhea often causes no symptoms at all, especially in women. It is estimated that 50% or more of women with gonorrhea show no symptoms. The bacteria can remain in the body for months or even years without causing problems. During this time, carriers of asymptomatic gonorrhea can still spread the infection through unprotected sex.
Minimal Symptoms
Some people may experience very mild symptoms that go unnoticed, such as:
- Mild discharge from the penis or vagina
- Slight burning after urination
- Mild abdominal pain
These minimal symptoms can be easy to ignore. But someone with subtle symptoms can still transmit gonorrhea to partners.
After Treatment
It’s possible to spread gonorrhea in the weeks after treatment if condoms aren’t used. This is because traces of the bacteria may remain in the body for up to 2 weeks after receiving medication.
To prevent transmission, experts advise avoiding all forms of sex for 1 week after finishing gonorrhea treatment.
Who is Most at Risk?
Certain groups have an elevated risk of asymptomatic gonorrhea, including:
- Young women – Up to 80% may not have symptoms
- Men who have sex with men
- Individuals with HIV
- Sex workers
But anyone who is sexually active can transmit or contract gonorrhea without symptoms. Using condoms correctly every time you have oral, anal, or vaginal sex greatly reduces this risk.
Why is Gonorrhea Spreading?
The CDC reports that cases of gonorrhea have been rising steadily in recent years. From 2017 to 2021, the number of infections increased by 43% to 620,000 cases.
Asymptomatic Transmission
One key reason is likely more transmission from people with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic gonorrhea. When fewer infected individuals have symptoms, fewer people seek testing and treatment, allowing more spread.
Decreased Condom Use
Public health experts also think rates of consistent condom use have decreased in recent decades, especially among youth. This allows gonorrhea to spread more easily during unprotected sex.
Drug Resistance
Increasing antibiotic resistance in gonorrhea bacteria likely also contributes to more spread. Drugs that once reliably cured gonorrhea have become less effective as resistant strains emerge.
How is Gonorrhea Diagnosed?
Due to the prevalence of asymptomatic infection, the CDC recommends regular gonorrhea screening for sexually active people at increased risk:
- Women under age 25
- Women over 25 with risk factors such as new partners, multiple partners, or a sex partner with concurrent partners
- Pregnant persons
- Men who have sex with men
- People living with HIV
- People who exchange sex for money or drugs
Gonorrhea testing involves collecting a sample from the infected area:
- Men – Urine sample or swab from the tip of the penis
- Women – Vaginal swab
- Rectal infection – Anus swab
- Throat infection – Throat swab
These samples are then examined in a lab for presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria.
At Home Test Kits
At home test kits for gonorrhea are also available. They allow you to collect a sample and mail it to a lab for results. But be aware they are not as accurate as lab tests done directly with a swabbed sample. If using an at-home test, be sure to follow up any positive result with a test at your doctor’s office.
Can Gonorrhea be Cured?
Yes, gonorrhea can be cured with the right antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. Cases resistant to common antibiotics can still be treated with other medication. It’s critical to take all gonorrhea medication exactly as prescribed – and avoid sex during treatment.
Partners exposed to someone with gonorrhea should also be tested and treated if infected. This helps prevent reinfection and further spread.
Is Gonorrhea Curable Without Antibiotics?
No, gonorrhea cannot be cured without appropriate antibiotic treatment. The Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria will continue to survive and multiply in the body without antibiotics to clear the infection. Ignoring symptoms and avoiding treatment allows the infection to spread and increases the risk of serious complications.
Over time, untreated gonorrhea can cause:
- Epididymitis – Inflammation of the tubes carrying sperm
- Pelvic inflammatory disease – Uterus, fallopian tube, and ovary infection in women
- Infertility in both sexes
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Increased risk of HIV transmission
So while gonorrhea requires prescription medication for a cure, the consequences of avoiding treatment are severe. Prompt antibiotic treatment can clear up the infection before permanent damage occurs.
Prevention Tips
Here are some key ways to lower your risk of getting or spreading gonorrhea:
- Use condoms correctly every time you have oral, vaginal, or anal sex. Condoms significantly reduce – but do not eliminate – gonorrhea transmission.
- Limit your number of sexual partners and avoid partners who have multiple partners.
- Ask your partners to get tested if you are exposed or have symptoms.
- Consider abstinence from sex if you or a partner were recently treated for gonorrhea to avoid reinfection.
- Get tested regularly for gonorrhea if you are sexually active, especially if you have new or multiple partners.
Early detection through screening allows prompt treatment to control spread of gonorrhea, even when symptoms aren’t obvious.
Key Takeaways
- Yes, it is possible to transmit gonorrhea to partners even if you have no noticeable symptoms.
- Up to 50% of women with gonorrhea never develop symptoms.
- Gonorrhea bacteria can remain in the body for months or years without causing issues, allowing asymptomatic people to spread the infection unknowingly.
- Using condoms properly every time you have sex greatly reduces the risk of asymptomatic transmission.
- Get tested regularly for gonorrhea if you are sexually active, especially if you have new partners or multiple partners.
Catching and treating gonorrhea early is important, even if symptoms aren’t obvious. This helps prevent transmission to partners and avoids complications down the road. If you test positive, make sure partners are notified, tested, and treated as well.
Conclusion
Asymptomatic gonorrhea transmission is a major challenge for public health. But being aware of the risks, getting screened regularly, avoiding unprotected sex, and encouraging partners to get tested can help reduce spread of this common STI. While gonorrhea can often fly under the radar, its dangers are too significant to ignore. Pay attention to your sexual health and don’t assume a lack of symptoms means you’re in the clear.