What is the most common symptom of gonorrhea in females?

The most common symptom of gonorrhea in females is a greenish-yellow discharge from the vagina. This symptom is the typical manifestation of a gonococcal infection as it results from the inflammatory response of the cervix and vagina to the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The discharge may be accompanied by an unpleasant odor and is often more noticeable during infection, as it may increase in volume.

While pelvic pain, abdominal cramping, and frequent urination can also occur in females with gonorrhea, these symptoms are not as prevalent as the discharge. Pelvic pain and abdominal cramping may occur if the infection progresses or leads to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, while frequent urination is a nonspecific symptom that can be related to various conditions, including urinary tract infections. Therefore, the distinctive greenish-yellow discharge serves as a key indicator of gonorrhea in females.