Gonorrhea

Overview

This is a sexually-transmitted disease. It affects the genitals, rectum and throat in men and in women. It's cured with medication.

Causes

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection. It spreads through vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected person. And, a mother can spread it to her baby during childbirth.

Symptoms

In men, gonorrhea causes pain when urinating and a discharge from the penis. It may cause pain and swelling in the testicles. In women, it causes pain when urinating, vaginal discharge and bleeding between periods. Both men and women can get an infection in the rectum. This causes discharge, itching, soreness, bleeding and painful bowel movements.

Complications

Gonorrhea causes serious problems. In women, the infection can spread to the reproductive system. It can cause abdominal pain, and it can make a woman unable to get pregnant. In men, it can cause a painful condition in the testicles. In rare cases, it can keep men from fathering children. Also rarely, gonorrhea spreads to the blood and joints. This can be life-threatening. And, left untreated, gonorrhea raises your risk for an HIV infection.

Prevention and Treatment

You can prevent gonorrhea by not having vaginal, anal or oral sex. If you do have sex, lower your risk by being in a long term relationship with an uninfected partner. And stay faithful to each other. Men should always use latex condoms. If you are infected, it can be treated with antibiotics. But some strains of gonorrhea are becoming resistant to medication. So follow all of your doctor's instructions closely.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.