Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease that may affect the genitals, rectum, cervix, and oral areas including the throat. It results from bacteria that may affect both men and women. Though this disease causes a variety of symptoms, pharyngeal gonorrhea specifically may cause a sore throat. Also called gonorrhea of the throat, pharyngeal gonorrhea is one of the least noticeable types of gonorrhea.

Like all cases of gonorrhea, pharyngeal gonorrhea is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is thought that gonorrhea of the throat is difficult to spread or transmit. Oral gonorrhea, on the other hand, can also be quite painful and is known to spread further infections throughout the body. Tonsillitis is another known effect.

Wherever gonorrhea is first contracted on the body, it should not be left untreated. Like other infectious diseases, gonorrhea of the throat can spread infections through the body and can be transmitted to other people. Gonorrhea, or “the clap,” can be quite painful.

Gonorrhea of the throat can be detected after a series of questions and tests by a physician. A family practice doctor, gynecologist, or sexual health doctor will be able to diagnose a case of gonorrhea. Once a person suspects he may be infected with gonorrhea of the throat, he should immediately see a doctor. A sore throat and swollen lymph nodes are typically the only symptoms of gonorrhea of the throat, and these will likely occur after performing oral sex. Gonorrhea that affects the genitals and rectum will typically be accompanied by itching, pus, and painful urination.

A series of questions regarding an individual’s sexual health and history will be asked. If the doctor believes a pharyngeal gonorrhea infection may be likely, she will likely take a swab sample from the throat area. The swab is then tested under a microscope for the gonococcal culture. If the gonorrhea bacteria is not found, it is possible the patient just has strep throat.

A gonorrhea infection is generally sexually transmitted, though mothers may also transmit the bacteria to their babies during childbirth. Baby gonorrhea typically affects the eyes most drastically. When this happens, the baby can be left with ophthalmia neonatoru, which is also known as neonatal conjunctivitis. During such cases, the infected baby’s eyelids are swollen shut with the bacterial infection. If the proper erythromycin eye drops are not administered to the newborn soon after birth, the baby could potentially go blind.