GONORRHEA
What is Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Sometimes Gonorrhea is called "The Clap," or "The Drip."
How do I get Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is transmitted during vaginal, oral, or anal sex. It can also be passed from a mother to her child during birth.
The Gonorrhea bacterium likes warm, moist areas of the reproductive tract, including the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes in women, and the urethra in women and men. It also likes the mouth, throat, and eyes, and can also grow in the anus.
What are the symptoms of Gonorrhea?
Eighty percent of women and 10% of men show no symptoms, which usually appear 2-5 days after infection, but can take as long as 30 days to appear.
In women symptoms might include: painful or burning during urination, increased vaginal discharge, or vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods.
In men, symptoms might include: a burning sensation while urinating or white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis. Sometimes, men also have painful or swollen testicles with the infection.
How is Gonorrhea diagnosed?
Gonorrhea is diagnosed by a urine test or by taking a sample from the infected area.
How is Gonorrhea treated?
Gonorrhea is easily treated with antibiotics. All sex partners should be evaluated, tested, and treated for Gonorrhea and abstain from sexual contact until treatment is completed to avoid re-infection. Drug-resistant strains of Gonorrhea are increasing in many areas of the U.S., and successful treatment is becoming more difficult.
If left untreated, Gonorrhea can lead to serious health complications, including Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (P.I.D.), a progressive infection of a woman’s reproductive system, and Epididymitis in men, a painful condition of the testicles.
How do I prevent Gonorrhea?
Correct and consistent use of condoms during sexual activity will reduce the risk of getting Gonorrhea.
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