How it manifests
Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra) occurs in two forms – non-gonococcal and gonococcal. It primarily presents with changes during urination, most commonly burning and stinging, frequent urge to urinate, and cloudy to whitish discharge. In women, urethritis is often associated with inflammation of the vagina.
Gonococcal urethritis has a different clinical course in women and men.
In women, the onset may be completely asymptomatic or only very mild, which carries the risk of unnoticed spread of infection to the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes. If the fallopian tubes are affected, scarring may occur, potentially leading to infertility.
Approximately 50% of women with gonorrhoea experience symptoms such as burning during urination and discharge. The cervix appears red and covered with purulent exudate. Intermenstrual bleeding or postcoital bleeding may also occur. The infection may spread to the glands of the labia minora and around the urethral opening, potentially leading to a painful abscess.
In men, gonococcal urethritis typically presents with pronounced inflammatory symptoms. The urethral opening is red and swollen, accompanied by burning and pain during urination and a thick mucopurulent discharge. If left untreated, the infection may spread to the prostate, seminal vesicles, or epididymis. After the acute phase, symptoms gradually subside and the condition may progress into a chronic form, characterised by persistent mild discharge.
