Gonorrhea is classified as a Sexually Transmitted Infection ( acquiring it from having vaginal, oral and anal sex with someone who is infected with it) which is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Pregnant women who are infected with gonorrhea can transmit the bacteria to their new born baby during vaginal delivery.

How do you know if you have gonorrhea?

Most women with gonorrhea do not have any symptoms. Even when a woman has symptoms, they are often mild and can be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection. Symptoms in women can include:

  • Painful or burning sensation during urination
  • Increased vaginal discharge; and
  • Vaginal bleeding between periods.

Men who do have symptoms may have:

  • A burning sensation during urination
  • A white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis; and
  • Painful or swollen testicles (although this is less common).

Treatment

Yes, the right treatment can cure gonorrhea It is important that you take all of the medicine your healthcare provider gives you to cure your infection. Do not share medicine for gonorrhea with anyone. Although medicine will stop the infection, it will not undo any permanent damage caused by the disease.

It is becoming harder to treat some gonorrhea, as drug resistant strain of gonorrhea are increasing. Return to a healthcare provider if your symptoms continue for more than a few days after receiving treatment. CDC now recommends a single 500 mg intramuscular dose of ceftriaxone for the treatment of gonorrhea.

Prevention

Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission of gonorrhea.

 

Source: cdc.gov