Gonorrhea of the mouth is a bacterial infection that can cause tonsil inflammation, soreness of the throat and fever. It is most commonly transmitted through oral sex, although infected individuals also can transmit the disease through kissing. Left untreated, gonorrhea of the mouth can lead to serious medical conditions. It is highly recommended that cases of gonorrhea be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.

This condition is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Other areas of the body affected by the infection include the genitals, the rectum and the eyes. In women, the bacteria could find its way to the cervix, potentially infecting a future child. The disease is transmitted through direct contact with infected areas, placing oral sex among the main causes of gonorrhea of the mouth.

An incubation period of one to four weeks is typical for gonorrhea. During this time, it is likely that an infected individual will show no signs of gonorrhea. By the time the symptoms manifest, the disease becomes highly contagious, making early detection and treatment absolutely necessary.

Gonorrhea of the mouth has several symptoms: swelling of the neck's lymph nodes, painful swallowing, sore throat, vomiting and fever. Gonorrhea transmitted orally also has a higher chance of infecting the eyes, leading to pain and increased light sensitivity. Depending on the patient's level of sexual activity, the infection might spread to other areas and cause other symptoms.

Other affected areas include the genitals, the rectum and, in women, the cervix. An individual with gonorrhea of the mouth might infect these areas through oral sex. Signs of gonorrhea in these areas include pain during urination, rectal bleeding, burning sensations in the genitals and abdominal pain. If left untreated, the disease might lead to infertility.

The disease usually is accompanied by the production of a pus-like discharge from the infected areas. Gonorrhea discharge is thick, creamy and greenish in color. This discharge is often a cause of great discomfort, because the viscous substance passes rather painfully through the urethra and other ducts.

A gonorrhea infection is treated through the use of antibiotics. Medications such as amoxicillin and ceftriaxone can be administered either orally or via injection, and they are often very effective in eliminating the infection from the system. Throughout the duration of the treatment, it is highly recommended that the patient abstain from any form of sexual intercourse. In the case of gonorrhea of the mouth, it also is advised that the patient avoid kissing, so as not to infect any partners.