Gonorrhea

What is Gonorrhea and how is it spread?
Gonorrhea is a bacterium that can be passed through sexual contact and contact with infected body fluids. It can also be passed from an infected mother to her infant at birth. It can infect the reproductive system, anus, throat and the eyes.

How can I prevent it?

• Get tested for Gonorrhea any time that you (or your partner) have a new sexual partner.
• Practice safe sex. Always use a barrier method, like condoms and dental dams. It is important to use these methods during vaginal, oral and anal sex to be protected.

How can I get tested?
Gonorrhea testing can be done with either a urine sample or by taking a culture with a swab from your cervix, throat or anus.

What are the symptoms?
Most of the time there are no symptoms at all. Some possible symptoms could be abnormal discharge from the vagina or the penis, irregular vaginal bleeding, pain with intercourse or during urination.

What is the treatment?
Gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by your provider.

What could happen if it is left untreated?
Gonorrhea may case pelvic inflammatory disease, which is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and surrounding tissues. This infection can lead to infertility (inability to get pregnant), increased risk of miscarriage, premature birth and ectopic pregnancy. Gonorrhea can spread to the blood or joints, which can be life threatening.

How common is it?
The CDC estimates that more than 700,000 persons in the U.S. get new gonorrheal infections each year.

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