OVERCOMING SEXUAL HEALTH CHALLENGES:
What is Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is an STD that results from being infected with the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium. This bacteria infects the mucous membranes of the reproductive tract such as the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes in women, and the urethra in both men and women. Additionally, N. gonorrhoeae can also infect other mucous membranes in the body such as those found in the mouth, throat, eyes, and rectum.
How do people get gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is primarily spread through sexual contact with an infected partner's penis, vagina, mouth, or anus. The transmission of gonorrhea does not necessarily require ejaculation. Additionally, gonorrhea can be transmitted from a mother to her newborn during childbirth.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Gonorrhea often does not cause symptoms, particularly in men and women. Men may experience dysuria or a discharge from the urethra that can be white, yellow, or green.
Epididymitis, which can cause testicular or scrotal pain, may also occur. Symptoms in women are often mild and nonspecific, such as dysuria, increased vaginal discharge, or vaginal bleeding between periods, and can be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection.
Even when symptoms are absent, women are at risk of developing serious complications from the infection. Both men and women may experience symptoms of rectal infection, such as discharge, itching, soreness, bleeding, or painful bowel movements. Pharyngeal infection is usually asymptomatic, but may cause a sore throat.
Treatment and Diagnosis
Gonorrhea can infect anyone who is sexually active, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. If you experience genital symptoms such as discharge, burning during urination, sores, or rash, it is important to stop having sex and seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, if you have had sexual contact with someone who has been diagnosed with an STD, you should also get tested.
Some individuals should get tested for gonorrhea even if they do not have any symptoms or do not know if their sexual partner has gonorrhea. It is recommended that sexually active women under the age of 25, as well as older women with risk factors such as multiple sexual partners or a partner with an STD, get tested for gonorrhea on a yearly basis.
It is important to discuss your risk factors with a healthcare provider to determine if you should be tested for gonorrhea or other STDs.
If you have gonorrhea, it is recommended that you also get tested for other STDs.