What is the typical incubation period of gonococcal urethritis in men?
- A 2 to 7 days ✓
- B Less than 24 hours
- C 2 to 3 weeks
- D 4 to 6 weeks
Correct answer: A. 2 to 7 days
Explanation
Gonococcal urethritis has a short incubation period of 2 to 7 days, after which the patient develops purulent urethral discharge with dysuria. Herpes simplex can produce symptoms within 24 hours but causes vesicles rather than frank purulent discharge. Chlamydial urethritis and syphilis have much longer incubation periods of about 1 to 3 weeks and 9 to 90 days respectively, which distinguishes them clinically.
Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.