Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a
bacterial infection.
What are the symptoms?
Infected people often
show no symptoms. Women may have vaginal discharge and/or pelvic or abdominal
pain. Men usually feel pain while urinating and may experience discharge from
the penis.
Can gonorrhea cause other problems?
Gonorrhea can cause
pelvic inflammatory disease in women. Pelvic inflammatory disease includes
severe infections of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, which can lead
to infertility, tubal pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. It is also easier to
pass on or become infected with HIV if you have gonorrhea.
How is gonorrhea transmitted?
Gonorrhea is spread
through contact with infected secretions during sexual intercourse, which
includes vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse.
How is it diagnosed?
Gonorrhea can be
diagnosed by your doctor with a laboratory test to evaluate discharge from an
infected area, which may include the cervix, urethra, anus, or throat. The lab
may also test your urine.
What is treatment?
Gonorrhea can be
treated and cured with antibiotics taken by mouth or by injection.
Can gonorrhea be prevented?
There are only two 100% effective ways to prevent gonorrhea. First, refrain from sexual contact of any kind. Second, be in a long-term monogamous relationship such as marriage.