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Gonorrhea: Symptoms, Testing and Treatment in Seoul

What is gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It spreads through vaginal, anal, and oral sex and can infect the cervix, urethra, rectum, and throat. It often occurs together with chlamydia.

What are the symptoms of gonorrhea?

Many women with gonorrhea have mild symptoms or none. When present, symptoms can include:

• Increased, yellow, or green vaginal discharge
• Burning or pain when urinating
• Bleeding between periods or after sex
• Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
• Rectal discomfort or discharge, or a sore throat, after anal or oral sex

Mild symptoms are sometimes mistaken for a bladder infection or vaginal infection.

What causes gonorrhea and who is at risk?

Gonorrhea is passed on through sexual contact with someone who has the infection. Risk factors include a new partner, multiple partners, a partner with other partners, sex without condoms, and a past or current STI. It cannot be caught from toilet seats or shared cups.

When should I see a doctor?

Get tested if you have symptoms, if a partner has been diagnosed with gonorrhea or another STI, or after sex without a condom with a new partner. Seek care promptly if you have fever, strong pelvic pain, or pain during sex. Untreated gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which may lead to chronic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. Rarely, it can spread to the blood and joints.

How is gonorrhea diagnosed at the clinic?

Gonorrhea is diagnosed with a PCR (nucleic acid amplification) test on a swab from the cervix or vagina, or sometimes a urine sample. If you have had anal or oral sex, the doctor may suggest rectal or throat testing as well. Because other STIs often occur at the same time, testing is usually done as part of a panel that includes chlamydia, trichomonas, and mycoplasma. Blood tests for HIV and syphilis may also be recommended. See STD testing.

How is gonorrhea treated?

Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics, often given as an injection. Because gonorrhea has become resistant to several antibiotics worldwide, treatment follows current national and international guidelines, and the doctor may treat chlamydia at the same time if it has not been ruled out. Key points:

• Avoid sex until treatment is finished and the waiting period has passed (commonly about 7 days) and symptoms have gone.
• Recent sexual partners should be tested and treated.
• Retesting about three months after treatment is recommended. A test of cure may be advised for throat infections or if symptoms continue.
• If symptoms continue after treatment, return to the doctor; a culture test may be needed to check for resistance.

Individual results vary. If you have severe pelvic infection, the doctor may refer you to a hospital for further care.

How can I prevent gonorrhea?

• Use condoms or dental dams correctly for vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
• Get tested with new partners and have regular STI checks if your risk is higher.
• Make sure partners are treated before resuming sex.

Read more in our guide to STD testing in Korea.

Getting care in English near Seongsu Station

If you are worried about gonorrhea or another STI, you can discuss testing privately and in English. Dr. Eun Mi-na, a female board-certified OB-GYN, sees patients in English at Eunice Women's Clinic.

•  Address: 8F Bethel Place, 120 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, across the crosswalk from Seongsu Station (Line 2) Exit 3, about a 1-minute walk
• Mon, Wed, Fri: 10:00–19:00
• Tue, Thu: 10:00–20:00 (evening clinic)
• Sat: 10:00–14:00 (no lunch break)
• Weekday lunch break: 13:30–14:30. Closed Sundays and Korean public holidays

You can book through Naver Booking, the KakaoTalk channel (search “유니스산부인과” or Eunice), or by phone at +82-2-467-3100. Booking is recommended; call or message to check same-day availability. See directions from Seongsu Station.

Frequently asked questions

How soon after exposure should I get tested for gonorrhea?

PCR tests can usually detect gonorrhea from about one to two weeks after exposure. If you have symptoms, see a doctor right away rather than waiting. An early negative test may need to be repeated.

Can gonorrhea be cured?

Yes. Gonorrhea can be cured with the right antibiotics. Because resistance is increasing, it is important to be treated by a doctor who follows current guidelines rather than using leftover or self-bought antibiotics.

Can I get gonorrhea in the throat?

Yes. Oral sex can pass gonorrhea to the throat. Throat infections often cause no symptoms. Tell the doctor about oral or anal sex so the right sites can be tested.

Do chlamydia and gonorrhea often occur together?

Yes, they commonly occur together. This is why testing usually covers both, and why treatment may include medicine for chlamydia if it has not been ruled out.

Will my partner be told about my result?

The clinic does not contact partners without your consent. The doctor will explain why partners should be tested and can help you think about how to tell them.

Related pages

•  STD Testing
• Chlamydia
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Cervicitis
• STD Testing in Korea

This page provides general health information for patients and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Individual results vary. If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting or other urgent symptoms, call 119 or go to the nearest emergency room. Page updated September 2026.