Gonorrhea
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What is it?
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection which means you get it by having vaginal, oral or anal sex with someone who has gonorrhea. It is caused by bacteria that can grow and multiply in moist warm areas of the reproductive tract, mouth, eyes, throat and anus.
How do I get it?
Gonorrhea is spread by having contact with an infected penis, mouth, vagina or anus. It can be spread through vaginal fluids or semen of an infected person. Gonorrhea can also be transmitted by touching infected sex organs and then touching your eyes. It cannot be transmitted by sitting on a toilet seat or shaking hands.
Symptoms
- most people have no symptoms
- painful or burning sensation when urinating
- increased vaginal discharge
- vaginal bleeding between periods
- burning sensation when urinating
- green, yellow or white discharge from penis
- swollen or painful testicles
in women (if symptoms are present )
in men (if symptoms are present)
- rectal infection may include anal itching, soreness, discharge, bleeding or painful bowel movements
- infections in the throat may cause a sore throat
If symptoms occur – they appear in 2-30 days after infection
Potential Complications
- can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, ectopic pregnancy (where egg grows outside uterus usually in the fallopian tube) which can cause miscarriage and possible death of mother.
- increased risk of getting or spreading HIV
- spread of infection to other parts of the body such as joints, heart or blood
- gonorrhea can cause epididymitis (condition of the testicles)which can lead to infertility in men
- Gonorrhea can be passed from a mother to her baby during vaginal delivery.
- in babies, gonorrhea can cause blindness, a life threatening blood infection or joint infection.
Are there tests for Gonorrhea?
Yes
2. urine sample
Treatment
- Antibiotics
Prevention
- Use a latex or polyurethane condom every time you have vaginal, oral or anal intercourse
