Gonococcal urethritis typically presents with what symptom?

Gonococcal urethritis typically presents with what symptom?

• A. Dysuria with scant urethral discharge
• B. Dysuria with heavy, purulent discharge and burning
• C. Intermittent fever and flank pain
• D. Asymptomatic infection with microscopic discharge

Answer: (C)

Gonococcal urethritis most often irritates the urethral lining, leading to painful urination (dysuria) and a purulent urethral discharge. The classic description is dysuria with heavy, purulent discharge that may burn when urinating. Fever and flank pain point away from simple urethritis and suggest upper tract involvement (like pyelonephritis) or systemic spread, which is not the typical presentation of localized gonococcal infection. While some cases, especially in women or with coinfections, can be milder or asymptomatic, the hallmark in most patients is dysuria with a heavy purulent discharge.

Gonococcal urethritis most often irritates the urethral lining, leading to painful urination (dysuria) and a purulent urethral discharge. The classic description is dysuria with heavy, purulent discharge that may burn when urinating. Fever and flank pain point away from simple urethritis and suggest upper tract involvement (like pyelonephritis) or systemic spread, which is not the typical presentation of localized gonococcal infection. While some cases, especially in women or with coinfections, can be milder or asymptomatic, the hallmark in most patients is dysuria with a heavy purulent discharge.