Author
Bowtie Team
Updated on
2025-08-07
Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.
Gonorrhea is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, typically spread through sexual contact. Recently, a doctor in Taiwan claimed on social media that a patient contracted it from a public toilet—could that really happen? The Bowtie team breaks down the transmission routes, symptoms, long-term effects, and treatment options, while debunking the public toilet myth for good.
What is Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This bacterium primarily infects the mucous membranes of the reproductive system, mouth, throat, and rectum. According to data from the Department of Health, Hong Kong reported about 5,984 cases of gonorrhea in 2020, which means roughly 80 cases per 100,000 people.
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How is Gonorrhea Transmitted?
Gonorrhea is mainly spread through sexual contact, including vaginal intercourse, anal sex, and oral sex. Studies show that without using a condom in a single sexual encounter, the transmission rate can be as high as 50-70%. Additionally, because women’s genital contact area is larger, women have a higher chance of contracting gonorrhea than men.
Gonorrhea Symptoms and Incubation Period
The incubation period for gonorrhea is usually 2 to 7 days. Once infected, men and women may experience different symptoms:
Male Patients
- Burning or pain during urination
- Yellow, white, or green discharge from the penis, often in large amounts
- Pain or swelling in the testicles
Female Patients
- Increased vaginal discharge, yellow or green in color
- Pain during urination
- Lower abdominal pain
- Pain during intercourse
It’s worth noting that some people with gonorrhea may have no symptoms at all , which makes it easy for the infection to spread unknowingly through sexual contact!
Gonorrhea Complications Explained
If not treated promptly, gonorrhea can lead to serious complications such as:
- Infertility: Chronic inflammation from gonorrhea can damage the fallopian tubes or affect sperm quality over time, impacting fertility.
- Increased Risk of HIV (AIDS) Infection: Gonorrhea can damage the mucosal barrier in the reproductive tract, making it easier for the HIV virus to enter the body.
- Ectopic Pregnancy : Damage to the fallopian tubes may increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) : Long-term PID can cause chronic pelvic pain, affecting daily life and sexual quality. Studies show that women with PID have a 6-10 times higher risk of ectopic pregnancy than the general population.
Additionally, if a pregnant woman has gonorrhea, she may pass it to her baby during childbirth, potentially causing neonatal pneumonia or eye infections in the newborn.
Is There a Treatment for Gonorrhea?
If unfortunately diagnosed with gonorrhea, as long as it’s detected early and treated with antibiotics for about a week, it can be completely cured. Additionally, during gonorrhea treatment, patients should pay attention to the following:
- The patient’s partner or sexual partners need to receive treatment simultaneously to prevent reinfection
- After completing treatment, undergo another gonorrhea test to ensure the bacteria have been eliminated
- Abstain from sexual activity during treatment and for a period afterward
- If complications have already occurred, additional treatment may be required
- When treating gonorrhea, also get checked for other STDs like HIV, syphilis , etc., to minimize the impact of sexually transmitted diseases
Common Gonorrhea Questions
What’s the Difference Between Gonorrhea and Chlamydia?
Both gonorrhea and chlamydia are bacterial infections transmitted through sexual contact that can affect the reproductive system. However, they differ in causes and symptoms:
| STD | Gonorrhea | Chlamydia Infection |
| Pathogen | Neisseria gonorrhoeae | Chlamydia trachomatis |
| Symptoms in Males | Urethral discharge is usually abundant, possibly yellow, white, or green | Urethral discharge is usually minimal |
| Symptoms in Females | Vaginal discharge may be yellow or green | Bleeding during intercourse, pain or discharge around the anus |
Additionally, while both can be treated with antibiotics, the types of antibiotics used may differ.
Can You Get Gonorrhea from Using Public Toilets?
Although Neisseria gonorrhoeae can survive on toilet surfaces for up to 24 hours, factors like temperature changes, sunlight, and cleaning agents can shorten its survival time. Therefore, the chance of contracting gonorrhea from public toilets is extremely low. Research shows that gonorrhea is primarily transmitted through sexual contact.
When using public toilets, you can reduce the risk of infection to your genital area with these tips:
- Wipe the toilet seat with tissue or alcohol first
- Avoid letting your body parts touch the toilet surface
- Before sitting, cover the toilet seat with a layer of toilet paper
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