In males, what is the most common sign of gonorrheal infection?

The most common sign of a gonorrheal infection in males is dysuria or a purulent discharge. Gonorrhea typically manifests initially as urinary symptoms due to the infection of the urethra. Males often present with a burning sensation during urination (dysuria) and a thick, yellow, or white discharge from the penis, which is purulent and indicative of infection.

This symptomatology arises from the inflammation of the urethra caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacterium responsible for gonorrhea. While other symptoms are associated with gonorrhea, such as fever or rashes, these are less common at the onset of infection and may indicate a more severe or disseminated form of the disease. By presenting the most common sign clearly, it provides a focused understanding of what healthcare providers should look for when assessing males for possible gonorrheal infections.