Which sex is most likely to be asymptomatic with gonorrhea?

Women are more likely to be asymptomatic when infected with gonorrhea due to the anatomical and physiological differences between sexes. In many cases, gonorrhea in women can be mild or present only with nonspecific symptoms, leading to a high number of undetected cases. This asymptomatic nature can result from the infection primarily affecting the cervix, which may not always produce noticeable signs, especially in the early stages.

In contrast, men often exhibit more pronounced symptoms such as urethritis, which prompts them to seek medical attention more readily. This difference in symptomatology is significant in public health, as asymptomatic infections in women can lead to complications if left untreated, including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and an increased risk of HIV transmission. Understanding this aspect of gonorrhea can inform screening practices and treatment strategies, particularly in populations at higher risk.