Males may exhibit symptoms of gonorrheal infection; however, most infected females remain asymptomatic, with an estimated 85-90% of infected males showing symptoms and only ~20% of infected females.
In males, N. gonorrhoeae causes genitourinary infections resulting in dysuria, frequent urination, abnormal urethral discharges, and testicular pain and swelling.
In symptomatic females, symptoms may be so mild that they are mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection. Symptoms can include dysuria, abnormal vaginal discharge and endocervical bleeding.
Rectal infections (in males and females) can lead to discharge from the rectum, itching, bleeding, or painful bowel movements, while pharyngeal infections are generally asymptomatic but may cause a sore throat.