Does gonorrhea affect males and females differently?

Yes, gonorrhea can affect males and females differently. While both males and females can contract gonorrhea, the symptoms and complications of the infection can vary between the sexes.

In males:

- The most common symptom of gonorrhea in males is a burning sensation or pain during urination.

- Other symptoms may include a white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis, pain or swelling in the testicles, and frequent urination.

In females:

- Gonorrhea can often be asymptomatic in females, meaning they may not experience any symptoms at all.

- When symptoms do occur, they can include a burning sensation or pain during urination, increased vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, and irregular menstrual bleeding.

Complications:

- In males, gonorrhea can spread to the testicles and epididymis, causing inflammation and pain. If left untreated, it can lead to infertility.

- In females, gonorrhea can spread to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain.