Gonorrhea
is a curable sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is caused by
bacteria that can infect the genital tract, mouth, and rectum of
both men and women. In women, however, the opening to the uterus
(cervix) is the first place of infection.
It is
spread through contact with the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus.
Ejaculation does not have to occur for gonorrhea to be transmitted
or acquired. Gonorrhea can also be spread from mother to child
during birth.
What are the symptoms?
A small number of people may be infected for
several months without showing symptoms.
In
women,
the early symptoms of gonorrhea often are mild. Some women who are
infected have no symptoms while others can be mistaken for a bladder
or vaginal infection.
The initial
symptoms and signs in women include:
· a painful or burning
sensation during urination
· yellow or bloody
vaginal discharge
· vaginal
discharge with a thick appearance and foul odor
· more advanced symptoms,
which may indicate development of pelvic
inflammatory disease (PID),
include cramps and pain, bleeding between
menstrual periods,
vomiting, or fever
In men, symptoms
and signs include:
· a white, yellow, or
green pus from the penis
· burning sensations
during urination
· swollen or painful
testicles
Remember most people infected have
no symptoms.
How is it
diagnosed?
If you think you may have gonorrhea or if you have had sexual
contact with someone who may have gonorrhea, you need to see your
doctor right away.
Several
laboratory tests are available to diagnose gonorrhea. To confirm
that you have gonorrhea a health care provider can obtain a sample
of discharged fluid from the infected mucus membrane (cervix,
urethra, rectum, or throat) and send the specimen to a laboratory
for analysis.
How is it
treated?
Gonorrhea
is treated with antibiotic drugs, given either by mouth or as a
shot. Your health care provider can prescribe the best and safest
antibiotic for you. Both partners must be treated at the same time
to prevent passing the infection back and forth.
This
information was acquired through the National Institute of Allergy
and Infectious Diseases and the Center for Disease Control and
Prevention website.
