I could add that an active gonorrhea infection of the penis in men can be very, very painful and produce bloody discharge.

Years ago, in my youth I came down with a gonorrhea infection, and I was pretty shocked by how bad it was. Certainly not asymptomatic.

Later in life as an HIV educator, I learned that asymptomatic infections, however, are very common and help perpetuate the spread of the bacterium.

I also learned not to mess around with antibiotics. Follow the full course of the prescription! Because even though your active symptoms may clear up fast, you may not be cured yet, and you may go on to asymptomatic infection.