Gonorrhea of the Throat: Everything You Need to Know

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It typically infects the penis, vagina, urethra, or anus, but it can also infect the mouth and throat (pharynx). Gonorrhea is common. Most cases occur in individuals between the ages of 15 and 24.

It's possible for gonorrhea to cause no symptoms. However, untreated gonorrhea can lead to serious complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, sepsis (blood infection), and joint arthritis.

This article discusses the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of throat gonorrhea.

Oral Gonorrhea Causes

Oral gonorrhea is caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is spread from an infected individual to another through unprotected oral sex.

Oral Gonorrhea Symptoms

Many oral gonorrhea infections are asymptomatic. However, when symptoms do occur, the most common ones are:

• Sore throat
• Redness in the mouth or throat
• Swollen lymph nodes

Other Conditions With Similar Symptoms

Gonorrhea of the throat may be mistaken for other throat infections or conditions, including:

• Mononucleosis
• Common cold viruses
• Strep throat
• Allergies
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux
• Oral chlamydia

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If you suspect you have gonorrhea based on your symptoms, you should get tested. You are at a higher risk if you are having unprotected sex or if you have multiple sexual partners.

If you have had unprotected sex (oral, vaginal, or anal) with someone who has tested positive for gonorrhea, you should be tested regardless of whether you have symptoms. This is because many infected individuals remain asymptomatic but are still at risk of developing serious complications.

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider may suspect gonorrhea based on your symptoms and reported sexual history.

Diagnosing throat gonorrhea infections is done in a similar way as genital infections. Providers will take a swab of the back of the throat and send it to a laboratory to see if the bacterium that causes gonorrhea, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is present.

Your healthcare provider will likely recommend that you be tested for other sexually transmitted infections, including:

• HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)
• Chlamydia
• Hepatitis B
• Trichomoniasis
• Syphilis

Treatment

Gonorrhea infections are treated with antibiotics. The most common treatment involves a single intramuscular injection of Rocephin (ceftriaxone) along with a seven-day course of oral Zithromax (azithromycin).

Other antibiotics may be used if allergies are present or if the gonorrhea is a resistant strain.

Anyone you have recently had sex with should also be notified and treated.

Prevention

The best way to prevent gonorrhea infections, including throat gonorrhea, is to use a condom when engaging in oral, vaginal, or anal sex. Other types of birth control are not effective in preventing infection.

If you are not in a monogamous relationship and have multiple sexual partners, you may discuss with your healthcare provider a routine screening program to test for gonorrhea and other STIs.

Summary

Throat gonorrhea can occur from having unprotected oral sex with an infected individual. Most infections do not cause symptoms, though symptoms can include a sore throat or swollen lymph nodes. Untreated gonorrhea can lead to serious complications. Individuals who are at high risk should be routinely screened for gonorrhea and other STIs.

A Word From Verywell

Gonorrhea is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, occurring most commonly among young people. When detected early, it can be treated with antibiotics fairly simply. However, the best way to prevent sexually transmitted infections is to use a condom during sex.