Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Many people have no symptoms, but untreated it can cause infertility and serious pelvic infection. It is cured with the right antibiotic, usually a single injection — but it is becoming resistant to many antibiotics, so correct testing and treatment by a doctor matter more than ever. Consultations are confidential.
Gonorrhoea spreads through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex, and from a mother to her baby during birth. It can infect the urethra, cervix, rectum, throat and, rarely, the eyes. It does not spread through kissing, hugging, sharing towels, cups or toilet seats. Having gonorrhoea once doesn't protect you — you can be infected again.
Symptoms usually appear within 2 weeks of infection, but around half of women and about 1 in 10 men have none.
Testing is simple: a urine sample (men) or a vaginal swab (women), plus throat or rectal swabs if relevant. Where available, a culture is also taken to check which antibiotics will work. The recommended treatment in most guidelines is a single injection of ceftriaxone, sometimes with a second antibiotic. Tell the doctor if you are pregnant or have allergies. In India, government hospitals and designated STI clinics (Suraksha Clinics) provide testing and treatment free of charge and in confidence.
Untreated or partly treated gonorrhoea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, long-term pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy and infertility in women; painful infection of the testicles and, rarely, infertility in men; and increases the risk of catching or passing on HIV.
Classical Ayurvedic texts describe contagious diseases spread by close contact (aupasargika roga) and painful urination with discharge; some later Ayurvedic authors compared gonorrhoea with Puyameha (discharge of pus in the urine). These descriptions predate the discovery of bacteria. After antibiotic treatment, an Ayurvedic physician may suggest cooling urinary herbs such as Gokshura or Chandana, plenty of fluids and a light, non-spicy diet for comfort. Any practitioner who offers to cure an STI with herbs alone should be avoided.
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Reviewed against NHS: Gonorrhoea, the WHO fact sheet on gonorrhoea, NCCIH: Ayurvedic Medicine, and Ministry of Ayush pharmacovigilance. These links support education and do not replace individual medical advice.