Gonorrhea

Common STI caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Other names for Gonorrhea are “the clap” and “the drip”.

Approximately 700,000 people each year will become infected with Gonorrhea. 

Reproductive Organs Affected

Grows easily and multiplies in warm moist areas

Women

• Cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and urethra

Men

• Urethra

If not treated permanent health problems can develop in men and women

In women gonorrhea can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and ectopic pregnancies

In men gonorrhea can cause epididymitis and can lead to infertility

Transmission

• Transmitted through sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, or oral) with an infected partner
• Can be passed from an infected mother to baby during vaginal childbirth

Signs/Symptoms

80% of women and 10% of men show no symptoms

Many individuals are unaware they are infected

When symptoms do occur they might begin one to 30 days after exposure

Women

• Abdominal pain
• Bleeding between menstrual cycles
• Fever
• Menstrual irregularities
• Painful intercourse
• Painful urination
• Swelling or tenderness of the vulva
• Urge to urinate more than usual
• Vomiting
• Yellowish or yellow-green vaginal discharge

Men

• Pus-like discharge from the penis
• Pain or burning feeling while urinating
• More frequent urination than usual

Treatment

• Gonorrhea can be cured by treating both partners with antibiotics
• It is important to notify all sexual partners and encourage them to get treated at the same time to avoid re-infection

Prevention

• The best way to avoid contracting Gonorrhea is abstaining from sexual contact
• Using latex condoms can reduce the transmission of Gonorrhea