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Gonorrhea

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Gonorrhea

Definition

Gonorrhea is a type of sexually transmitted infection (STI). It can cause damage to pelvic organs and serious problems with fertility and pregnancy. Medical care is needed right away.

Causes

Gonorrhea is caused by bacteria. It spreads during oral, genital, or anal sex with an infected partner. Someone with gonorrhea can also pass the infection to a baby during childbirth.

Risk Factors

Gonorrhea is most common among sexually active young adults. The risk of STIs is higher in those with:

  • A current STI or a history of an STI
  • A new sex partner
  • More than one sex partner
  • A sex partner with an STI

It is also more common in people who do not use condoms or do not use them properly.

Symptoms

Most people who have gonorrhea do not have symptoms. If they do have symptoms, they may appear 1 to 14 days after exposure. Some may not have symptoms for a month.

Genital problems may include:

  • Discharge from the penis
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge or unusual vaginal bleeding
  • Belly pain
  • Burning when passing urine
  • Itching

Rectal symptoms may be:

  • Itching
  • Soreness
  • Bleeding
  • Painful stools
Female Reproductive System Organs.

Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Untreated gonorrhea can cause severe infections in the:

  • Joints
  • Brain
  • Eyes
  • Heart

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. This may be enough to suspect an STI.

Testing will be done to screen people who are at high risk. A sample of fluids may be taken from one of the following:

  • Vagina or penis
  • Throat
  • Rectum
  • Urine

Treatment

Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics. All sex partners should be tested and treated.

Many forms of gonorrhea are resistant to common antibiotics. Other antibiotics will be tried to treat the infection. Testing will help to make sure the infection has been stopped.

Prevention

To lower the risk of gonorrhea:

  • Abstain from sex.
  • Have sex with only one partner.
  • Use a latex condom during sex.
RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/std/gonorrhea/arg/default.htm.
  • Gonorrhea. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/std/gonorrhea.
  • Gonococcal cervicitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/gonococcal-cervicitis.
  • Gonococcal urethritis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/gonococcal-urethritis.

Contributors

  • Beverly Siegal, MD, FACOG
Last Updated:
2023-09-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.