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Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a common and treatable sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects thousands of people every year. It can be easily passed through vaginal, anal, or oral sex and, in many cases, has no noticeable symptoms.
While gonorrhea is curable with antibiotics, untreated infections can lead to serious health complications. The best way to protect yourself and your partners is to understand the risks, get tested regularly, and seek treatment if needed.
Gonorrhea Information
Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can infect multiple parts of the body, including:
- The genitals (vagina, penis, cervix, urethra)
- The rectum (through anal sex)
- The throat (through oral sex)
- The eyes (though less common, it can occur through hand-to-eye contact)
Gonorrhea spreads easily through unprotected sexual contact, and many people don’t realize they have it because symptoms aren’t always present. The only way to know for sure is to get tested.
Many people with gonorrhea do not experience symptoms, which is why regular STI testing is so important. When symptoms do appear, they can vary depending on the part of the body that is infected.
Common Symptoms of Gonorrhea
In Women
- Painful urination
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Vaginal bleeding between periods
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
In Men:
- White, yellow, or green discharge from the penis
- Painful urination
- Pain or swelling in one or both testicles
Symptoms That Can Affect All Genders
- Rectal infections
- Discharge, itching, or soreness
- Painful bowel movements
- Rectal bleeding
- Throat Infections
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
Since symptoms aren’t always obvious, getting tested is the only way to know if you have gonorrhea.
Why is Testing Important?
Even if you don’t have symptoms, gonorrhea can cause serious health problems if left untreated:
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): In women, untreated gonorrhea can lead to PID, which can cause infertility and chronic pelvic pain.
- Epididymitis: In men, gonorrhea can cause painful swelling in the testicles and may lead to infertility.
- Disseminated Gonococcal Infection (DGI): In rare cases, gonorrhea can enter the bloodstream and cause joint pain, fever, and skin sores.
- Pregnancy Complications: Pregnant people with gonorrhea can pass the infection to their baby, which may result in eye infections, pneumonia, or premature birth.
Since gonorrhea often has no symptoms, routine STI testing is key to staying healthy.
How to Get Tested
Getting tested for gonorrhea is quick, simple, and confidential. Here’s what to expect:
- Visit a testing site: You can go to a local health clinic, doctor’s office, or community testing center. Some at-home test kits are also available.
- Provide a sample: Depending on your exposure, you may need:
- A urine sample (for genital infections)
- A throat swab (if you’ve had oral exposure)
- A rectal swab (if you’ve had anal exposure)
- Receive your results: Test results are usually available within a few days, and all information remains confidential.
- Get treated if necessary: If you test positive, your healthcare provider will prescribe antibiotics to cure the infection.
Gonorrhea can be cured with antibiotics. The current recommended treatment includes:
- A single injection of ceftriaxone.
- In some cases, an additional oral antibiotic may be needed.
Important Treatment Steps
- Take all medication as prescribed.
- Avoid sexual contact until treatment is completed and symptoms are gone.
- Inform your recent sexual partners so they can get tested and treated too.
If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause long-term complications. Completing treatment as directed is crucial for your health and to prevent reinfection.
The best way to protect yourself from gonorrhea is by practicing safe sex and regular testing. Here are some simple prevention tips:
- Use condoms and dental dams consistently. These create a barrier that reduces the risk of infection.
- Get tested regularly. If you are sexually active, especially with new or multiple partners, routine STI screening is essential.
- Have open conversations with partners. Talk about STI testing, sexual health, and prevention before becoming intimate.
- Limit the number of sexual partners. Fewer partners mean a lower chance of exposure.
- Know the signs. Check your body (and your partner’s) for any unusual sores, rashes, or discharge.
- Complete STI treatment before resuming sexual activity. If you’ve been treated for gonorrhea, wait until your provider confirms it’s safe to have sex again.
Gonorrhea can be prevented, but testing is the only way to be sure of your status.
If you’re pregnant, getting tested for gonorrhea is especially important. Gonorrhea can be passed to a baby during childbirth, leading to serious complications such as:
- Eye infections that can cause blindness
- Low birth weight and premature delivery
- Pneumonia or other infections
How to Protect Your Baby
- Get tested early in pregnancy and again before delivery if you’re at risk.
- If you test positive, treatment is safe and can prevent complications for you and your baby.
- If needed, newborns can receive eye drops at birth to prevent infection.
By getting tested and treated, you can ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Take Charge of Your Health
Gonorrhea is common, treatable, and preventable. The most important steps you can take are:
- Get tested if you are sexually active
- Use protection to reduce risk
- If diagnosed, complete treatment and inform your partners