We Are Now Open On Saturdays
Call Now
Book Online
We Are Now Open On Saturdays
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) which is commonly related with genital infections. Nevertheless, many people do not realise that gonorrhoea may also infect the throat via oral sex. This is referred to as throat or oral gonorrhoea and is becoming more and more common, particularly in young adults.
This blog will discuss causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention of oral gonorrhoea. If you suspect you have been exposed to the bacteria causing gonorrhoea, do not wait to seek professional sexual health care at our STI Clinic as soon as possible.
Oral (throat/pharyngeal) gonorrhoea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is spread through oral sex and affects the mouth, throat and tonsils. Gonorrhoea is not only limited to genital infections, but gonorrhoea can also infect the throat, particularly individuals engaging in oral sex without a barrier.
Oral gonorrhoea (or pharyngeal gonorrhoea) occurs due to a type of bacteria known as Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is transmitted from another infected person during unprotected oral sex. Although it can be spread through oral sex, the risk is generally lower than with vaginal or anal sex.
Symptoms of gonorrhoea in throat are often absent, meaning that many people do not even know they have gonorrhoea. However, some people may show some signs, such as:
Many of these symptoms are similar to other common illnesses such as strep throat or the common cold. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, it is important to get tested for gonorrhoea, particularly if you have performed oral sex in recent times.
Sometimes, an individual having oral gonorrhoea may also develop a gonorrhoea infection in another area of the body, such as the urethra or cervix. If this is true you may have other signs and symptoms of oral gonorrhoea, such as:
Gonorrhoea is primarily spread through vaginal, anal or oral sex. Evidence suggests deep (tongue) kissing may contribute to transmission of oral gonorrhoea, but the risk is uncertain and likely low. Hugging or sharing cups does not transmit it.
Gonorrhoea from the throat is transmitted through oral sex with an already infected person. The gonorrhoea bacterium can infect the mouth, throat and tonsils. The risk of getting throat gonorrhoea through oral sex is lower than that through vaginal or anal sex; however, it can still be risky – particularly in people with multiple sex partners.
A medical professional may suspect gonorrhoea depending on your symptoms and the sexual history you provide.
Testing for oral gonorrhoea uses a throat (pharyngeal) swab NAAT, analogous to NAATs used for genital sites. Your medical provider will collect a swab sample from the back of the throat and send the sample to a laboratory for testing to see if the bacteria causing gonorrhoea, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is present.
Your medical provider is more likely to recommend testing for other sexually transmitted infections as well, including:
First-line treatment for throat gonorrhoea is a single intramuscular ceftriaxone injection given by a clinician. A test-of-cure throat swab 7–14 days after treatment is recommended to confirm clearance. These antibiotics target and effectively treat the infection by killing the bacteria. Follow your clinician’s advice and attend your test-of-cure even if symptoms settle, to confirm the infection has cleared and reduce reinfection risk. For those seeking discreet and effective care, our private Gonorrhoea Treatment in London ensures confidential, professional management with follow-up support.
Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse — book a private Oral Gonorrhoea test in London for quick, confidential results and professional treatment.
Gonorrhoea of the throat is often misinterpreted as another throat infection, such as:
Oral gonorrhoea is often mistaken for strep throat, as they can often have similar symptoms. However, there are certain differences between oral gonorrhoea and strep throat. Strep throat is caused by a type of bacteria, which tends to produce a high fever and more notable symptoms. Oral gonorrhoea tends to be milder, producing a sore throat, white spots on the tonsils and swollen lymph nodes on the neck.
Both can cause a sore, red throat; strep more often causes fever and systemic symptoms, and may show tonsillar exudates.
Other symptoms common with strep throat include:
Mouthwash is not an effective treatment for throat gonorrhoea; you still need prescription antibiotics.
When left untreated, gonorrhoea can spread (disseminated gonococcal infection), causing joint pain/swelling and skin lesions; rarely it can lead to endocarditis or meningitis. Genital tract infection can cause PID in women and epididymitis in men.
The most effective way to prevent getting gonorrhoea in your throat is to practice safe sex. This includes using condoms or dental dams when performing oral sex. You should also get tested for STDs regularly, particularly if you have several sexual partners.
If you have been given a diagnosis of oral gonorrhoea, do not engage in oral sex until you are cured of the infection. It is also essential to let your sexual partner(s) know so they can be tested and treated as soon as possible.
In comparison to gonorrhoea of the genitals, oral gonorrhoea may clear spontaneously within a few months, but treatment is recommended to prevent complications and transmission. However, we recommend following up with medical treatment promptly if you were tested positive so you do not pass it along to anyone else.
Informing your sexual partner(s) of a gonorrhoea infection can be an uncomfortable conversation to have, but it is important for their health as well as the health of others. Be open and direct! Tell your partner(s) that you have been tested positive for oral gonorrhoea and advise them to be tested and, if positive or advised by a clinician, treated.
The chances of getting oral gonorrhoea again depend on several factors, including the effectiveness of treatment received, the person’s immune system, and their sexual practices. If oral gonorrhoea is effectively treated with antibiotics, the infection should resolve within a few days to about a week. If the person continues to engage in unprotected oral sex with the infected partner, or other partners, the risk of getting oral gonorrhoea again is higher.
Re-infection is common if partners aren’t treated or barrier protection isn’t used; immunity does not develop after infection. It is always important to take the complete treatment prescribed by any healthcare professional, even if symptoms resolve, as the goal is to have the infection fully resolved.
If you have any symptoms of oral gonorrhoea, it is always important to see your doctor or healthcare professional. They can order the appropriate test to find out if your symptoms are consistent with oral gonorrhoea, and the appropriate treatment can be ordered as well. It is also important to see your doctor if you engaged in unprotected oral sex with an individual having gonorrhoea or was diagnosed with gonorrhoea, even if you do not have any symptoms.
Learn how to stay safe and prevent infection. Schedule a consultation with our sexual health specialists for expert advice and same-day testing.
Essentially, throat gonorrhoea is a silent risk that can have serious health implications if you are not timely treated. Using safe sex practices and being regularly screened may help reduce the risk of the infection spreading. If you have any sign of oral gonorrhoea, you should ensure that you visit a doctor as soon as possible for screening and treatment. It is important to have open and honest communication with your sexual partner(s) if the infection is found, as this is an important part of maintaining good sexual health and preventing STIs from being passed on.
This is not an easy topic to talk about, but your health is the most important aspect of the conversation. Please do not hesitate to contact us at the STI Clinic, for reassuring, compassionate and expert health care.
How Long Can You Have an STI Without Knowing?
11 Nov, 2025
Can a STD Go Away on Its Own? What You Need to Know
31 Oct, 2025
02071830494
02071830494
