Gonorrhoea Testing and Treatment in Singapore

Gonorrhoea testing and treatment may be recommended for symptoms such as painful urination, discharge, pelvic or testicular pain, or after possible STI exposure. At Dr Tan Medical Center, assessment may include STI testing, diagnosis, treatment, and partner-related guidance where appropriate.

What is Gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that commonly spreads through sexual contact with an infected individual, whether by unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. While the infection primarily affects the genital tract, it can also affect the rectum, throat, joints, and eyes.

Gonorrhoea is an ongoing sexual health concern in Singapore. According to the Communicable Diseases Agency, its reported incidence rose from 34 cases per 100,000 people in 2023 to 46.0 in 2024, an increase of approximately 35%.

What Causes Gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The bacteria enter the body through fluid discharges from the penis or vagina during unprotected sex, including semen, vaginal fluid, and pre-ejaculation. These bacteria also thrive and multiply in warm and moist areas of the body, such as the genital tract, eyes, mouth, throat, anus, and urethra.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Gonorrhoea?

The signs and symptoms of gonorrhoea can differ between men and women. In some cases, individuals who have contracted this infection may not exhibit any symptoms at all. However, if symptoms do occur, they typically manifest within 1–14 days after exposure.

Common symptoms for men include:

• Burning Sensation During Urination

  : An early sign of gonorrhoea in males is a burning sensation or pain during urination. This discomfort can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by increased urination frequency.

• Inflammation of the Penile Area

  : Men with gonorrhoea may notice swelling, tenderness, and a warm sensation in the penile area. The penile skin may also appear red and irritated. In some cases, this inflammation may lead to difficulty retracting the foreskin, known as phimosis.

• Swollen Testicles

  : Gonorrhoea can also cause inflammation and infection in the testicles, leading to a condition known as epididymitis. The epididymis is a coiled tube located behind the testicles that stores and transports sperm. This can result in pain, swelling, and tenderness in one or both testicles.

• Discharge from the Penis

  : A common symptom of gonorrhoea in men is abnormal discharge from the penis. This pus-like discharge is usually thick and appears in white, yellow, or green colour, indicating an infection in the genital tract. It may also have a foul smell and may be more noticeable after sleeping or in the morning.

On the other hand, common symptoms for women include:

• Abdominal Pain or Pain During Intercourse

  : Women with gonorrhoea may experience discomfort or severe cramping in the lower abdomen. The condition can also lead to pain during intercourse (dyspareunia) due to inflammation and irritation in the genital area.

• Vaginal Discharge and Bleeding

  : Gonorrhoea can cause abnormal vaginal discharge, which may appear yellowish or greenish and have a foul odour. Some women may also experience spotting or bleeding between heavy menstrual periods or after sex.

What are the Risk Factors of Gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea can be passed on through vaginal, anal or oral sex, including when a person has no symptoms. Factors that may increase the chance of exposure include:

• Unprotected sex (vaginal, anal or oral)
• Having multiple sexual partners
• Having a new sexual partner
• Having a partner with gonorrhoea or another STI
• Having previously had gonorrhoea or another STI

How is Gonorrhoea Tested?

Testing for gonorrhoea usually involves collecting a sample of bodily fluid from the infected area for laboratory analysis. The most common methods of testing include:

• Urine PCR Test

  : This involves providing a urine sample for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing to detect the presence of the gonorrhoea bacteria. Patients are advised to refrain from urinating for at least 2 hours prior to the test, as recent urination may wash away the bacteria and affect the accuracy of the results.

• Swab Test

  : In this method, a doctor utilises a swab to collect samples from the urethra in men, the cervix in women, or from the throat, rectum, or genital area. Then, the collected swab is sent to a laboratory for testing and analysis.

Laboratory results are typically available within a few days, although some tests may take a week or longer. Our clinic can advise you on the expected timing for the tests ordered.

Is Gonorrhoea Curable?

Yes. Gonorrhoea can be cured with appropriate antibiotics, although antibiotic resistance can make some infections harder to treat. Treatment clears the current infection. It does not provide immunity. You can get gonorrhoea again if you are exposed to an infected partner.

How is Gonorrhoea Treated in Singapore?

Treatment begins with an assessment of your symptoms and possible exposure. At Dr Tan Medical Center, the process may involve:

• Consultation and testing: Dr Tan reviews your symptoms and sexual history, then recommends urine or swab tests based on the areas that may have been exposed. Testing for other STIs may also be discussed.
• Antibiotic treatment: If gonorrhoea is diagnosed, Dr Tan prescribes antibiotics appropriate to the infection.
• Partner guidance: Dr Tan can advise you on informing recent sexual partners so they can be assessed and treated where appropriate.
• Follow-up: The clinic may arrange a review and further testing around 2 weeks after treatment to check that the infection has cleared, particularly if symptoms persist.

How Long Does Gonorrhea Treatment Take?

Uncomplicated gonorrhoea is commonly treated with a single antibiotic injection, although some patients also need a course of oral medication. Symptoms should begin to improve within a few days. If they persist or worsen after treatment, return for reassessment rather than taking additional antibiotics yourself. Take any prescribed medication exactly as directed, and ensure that you finish your full dosage.

You must also follow your doctor’s advice and avoid vaginal, anal and oral sex until you are cleared by your doctor, your symptoms have resolved and your partner has also completed treatment.

What Happens If Gonorrhoea Is Left Untreated?

Untreated gonorrhoea can spread beyond the initial site of infection and cause lasting health problems, even if symptoms are mild or absent.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

In women, the infection can spread to the reproductive organs and cause PID. This may lead to persistent pelvic pain, difficulty becoming pregnant or an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Epididymitis

In men, gonorrhoea can inflame the tube behind the testicles, causing pain and swelling. In rare cases, this can affect fertility.

Disseminated Gonococcal Infection (DGI)

Rarely, gonorrhoea spreads through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, including the joints. This is a serious complication that requires prompt medical care.

Increased Risk of HIV

Having untreated gonorrhoea may increase the risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV. A doctor may recommend HIV testing alongside other STI tests.

Eye Infections in Newborns

A pregnant person with gonorrhoea can pass the infection to their baby during delivery. The baby may develop a serious eye infection, making testing and treatment during pregnancy particularly important.

How Can Gonorrhoea be Prevented?

• Undergo regular testing for gonorrhoea and other STIs, especially if you have multiple sexual partners or engage in high-risk sexual behaviours.
• Practise safe sex by using condoms or other barrier contraception during sexual intercourse
• Refrain from sharing sex toys and ensure to clean and disinfect them between each use
• Avoid sexual intercourse until both you and your partner have completed gonorrhoea treatment
• Minimise having casual sex and multiple sexual partners

Early Detection and Treatment for Gonorrhoea With Dr Tan Kok Kuan

Detecting gonorrhoea early allows treatment to begin before the infection causes complications or spreads to a partner. You should seek prompt testing when you notice symptoms or suspect an exposure, so that a doctor can start appropriate treatment, advise you on partner testing and arrange follow-up to help reduce the risk of complications and reinfection.

Dr Tan Medical Center is a men’s health and sexual health clinic in Singapore specialising in screenings for gonorrhoea and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Care is led by Dr Tan Kok Kuan, our men’s health and sexual health doctor, who has over 20 years of clinical experience. Patient safety and welfare is integral to Dr Tan’s care approach, and he approaches sensitive concerns with discretion and compassion.

If you have symptoms or think you may have been exposed to gonorrhoea, contact us to arrange a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gonorrhoea