Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can affect anyone who is sexually active. If you’re worried about changes in your body, like unusual discharge or a new smell, you’re not alone. Many people have questions regarding what’s normal and what might be a sign of an infection, with one of the most common being: Does gonorrhea discharge have an odor? Let’s break down what you need to know, what to look out for, and what steps you can take if you’re concerned.

Key Takeaways

  • Discharge can have a noticeable, often unpleasant odor, but not everyone with gonorrhea will experience this symptom.
  • The smell is sometimes described as “mushroom-like,” “fishy,” or just generally foul.
  • Discharge color and consistency can also change, often becoming yellow, green, or white, and may be accompanied by other gonorrhea symptoms like burning during urination.
  • Many people with gonorrhea have no noticeable symptoms at all, so regular STI testing is important if you’re sexually active.
  • Treating gonorrhea requires antibiotics, so visit a healthcare professional if you have this sexually transmitted disease.

What Is Gonorrhea?

This sexually transmitted infection originates from a bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It spreads through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the sexually transmitted infection. Gonorrhea can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat. Anyone can get gonorrhea, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

What Does the Discharge Look and Smell Like?

Discharge in Women and People with Vaginas

  • Color and texture: Vaginal discharge from a gonorrhea infection may turn greenish-yellow, white, or creamy, or it can be thicker or more pus-like.
  • Odor: The smell is often described as “mushroom-like,” “fishy,” or just generally unpleasant. This is different from the normal, slightly acidic scent of healthy vaginal discharge.
  • Other symptoms: Burning during urination, chronic pelvic pain, especially during vaginal sex, or spotting between periods can also happen.

Discharge in Men and People with Penises

  • Color and texture: Discharge may be clear, white, yellow, or green in color. It can be thick or watery.
  • Odor: Some men notice a foul or putrid smell from the discharge or genital area, but not everyone does.
  • Other symptoms: Burning during urination, swollen or tender testicles, and sometimes rectal symptoms if the infection is in the anus.

Discharge in Other Areas

  • Rectal Gonorrhea: Can cause anal discharge, itching, or pain. The discharge may also have an unpleasant odor.
  • Throat Gonorrhea: Usually doesn’t cause discharge or odor, but may cause a sore throat.

Why Does Gonorrhea Discharge Smell?

The odor comes from the bacteria and the body’s response to infection. When gonorrhea bacteria multiply, they can alter the balance of normal bacteria in the genital area, resulting in a stronger, sometimes unpleasant odor. The immune system’s response to infection can also affect the scent of sweat and other body fluids.

Is Odor Always a Sign of Gonorrhea?

No. Not everyone with gonorrhea will notice a smell, and not all genital odors mean you have a sexually transmitted disease. Other infections, like bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis, can also cause a strong or fishy odor. Sometimes, changes in diet, hygiene, or hormones can affect how you smell, too.

Other Symptoms to Watch For

gonorrhea symptoms

Untreated gonorrhea doesn’t always cause symptoms, but when it does, you might notice:

  • A burning or painful urination
  • Increased or unusual discharge (either vaginal discharge or discharge from the penis)
  • Pain during sex
  • Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
  • Spotting between periods (for people with vaginas)
  • Swollen or tender testicles (for people with penises)
  • Anal itching, discharge, or pain after anal sex (if the infection is in the rectum)

Why You Shouldn’t Rely on Gonorrhoea Smell Alone

It’s tempting to use smell as a clue, but it’s not a reliable way to diagnose gonorrhea or any other STI. Many people with gonorrhea have no symptoms at all, and some people with a strong odor don’t have an STI. The only way to know for sure is to get tested to avoid any serious complications.

What To Do If You Notice Unusual Discharge or Odor

  • Don’t panic. Changes in discharge or odor are common and can have many causes.
  • Get tested. If you notice a new or unusual smell, especially with other symptoms, schedule an STI test. Many clinics offer confidential, judgment-free testing.
  • Talk to your partner(s). If you’re diagnosed with gonorrhea, your partner(s) should get tested and treated, too, to prevent reinfection.
  • Follow treatment instructions. Gonorrhea is usually treated with antibiotics. Take all your medication, even if symptoms go away.
  • Use protection. Condoms and dental dams can lower your risk of getting or spreading gonorrhea and other STIs, even during oral sex.

How Is Gonorrhea Diagnosed?

Testing is quick and easy. It usually involves a urine sample or a swab from the affected area (vagina, penis, throat, or rectum). Results can come back in a few days, and treatment can start right away if needed.

What Are Common Gonorrhea Treatments?

Gonorrhea is treated with the antibiotic ceftriaxone, which is delivered by a shot in the muscle. Your partner(s) may be treated at the same time to prevent passing the infection back and forth.

What Happens If Gonorrhea Isn’t Treated?

Untreated gonorrhea can lead to serious sexual health problems, including:

  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in people with vaginas, which can cause chronic pain and infertility
  • Epididymitis in people with penises, which can also affect fertility
  • Increased risk of HIV
  • Gonorrhea infection spreads to other parts of the body, like the joints or heart

How Can I Prevent Gonorrhea?

  • Use condoms or dental dams during regular or oral sex
  • Get tested regularly, especially if you have new or multiple sexual partners
  • Talk openly with your partner(s) about sexual health and STI testing
  • Avoid sex if you or your partner has symptoms until you’ve both been tested and treated

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If you notice any of the following, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare professional:

  • Unusual penis or vaginal discharge (color, amount, or smell)
  • Throat pain after oral sex
  • Burning or pain when peeing
  • Pain during sex
  • Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
  • Painful bowel movements
  • Spotting between periods
  • Swollen or tender testicles
  • Anal itching, discharge, or pain after anal sex

Even if you don’t have symptoms, regular STI testing, either from a professional or an at-home test, is a smart way to take care of your sexual health.

FAQs

What Does Gonorrhea Discharge Smell Like?

Penis or vaginal discharge can have a foul, mushroom-like, or fishy odor. The smell is often stronger than normal genital odors and may be more noticeable if the infection is severe.

Can you have gonorrhea without any smell?

Yes. Many people with gonorrhea don’t notice any odor or other symptoms. That’s why regular testing for sexually transmitted infections is important, even if you feel fine. Many people have free testing options near them.

What color is gonorrhea discharge?

Typically, green discharge is a frequent sign, but for people with vaginas, it’s often greenish-yellow, white, or creamy. In people with penises, it can be clear, white, yellow, or green.

Does a bad smell always mean you have a sexually transmitted disease?

No. While a strong or unusual odor can be a sign of an infection, it can also be caused by other things like bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or even changes in hygiene or hormones. Only a test can tell for sure.

How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?

Gonorrhea symptoms can show up 2 to 10 days after exposure, but some people never get symptoms at all.

How is gonorrhea tested?

Testing usually involves a urine sample or a swab from the affected area. Results are usually available within a few days.

Can gonorrhea go away on its own?

No. Gonorrhea needs to be treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, it can cause serious health problems.

What should I do if I think I have gonorrhea?

Get tested as soon as possible. If you test positive, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for treatment and let your sexual partner(s) know so they can get tested and have their gonorrhea treated, too.

Sources

What Does Gonorrhoea Smell Like? – Your Sexual Health. (2024). https://yoursexualhealth.co.uk/blog/what-does-gonorrhoea-smell-like/

Unpleasant Smell Linked To Gonorrhea In Men – Medical News Today. (2011). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/238985

Vaginal Odor & STDs: Is a Change in Smell Normal? https://www.sexualhealthclinic.london/blog/is-it-normal-for-vaginal-odour-to-change-with-a-std

What should vaginal discharge look and smell like? (2011). https://www.plannedparenthood.org/blog/what-should-vaginal-discharge-look-and-smell-like