Gonorrhea

What is Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), also referred to as an STD (sexually transmitted disease). A Gonorrhea infection is caused by a specific type of bacteria (scientific name: Neisseria gonorrhoeae), which can grow in the reproductive tracts of both men and women, as well as in the mouth, eyes, throat and anus.

What are the statistics?

Gonorrhea is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the United States. In fact, it is estimated that there are more than 700,000 new Gonorrhea infections in the US annually (based on CDC statistics). It is important to note that this number is an estimate – as many infections are never reported to the CDC.

How is Gonorrhea transmitted?

Gonorrhea is normally passed from person to person through various types of sexual activity – including oral, vaginal and anal sex. Those who believe they are at risk of infection should note that ejaculation does not need to occur to pass the bacterium that causes Gonorrhea from a man to a woman, nor visa versa. In some cases, it is even possible for a woman to pass the sexually transmitted infection to her baby during child birth. It is important to note that having had a previous Gonorrhea infection, which is then treated and cured, does not make an individual immune to another infection. Regardless of previous history with Gonorrhea, any sexually active individual is at risk for contracting the infection.

Who is at risk?

The truth is that any sexually active individual is at risk for Gonorrhea. Although every sexually active person is at risk, young adults and teenagers, as well as African Americans of any age, seem to be the highest risk categories (based on CDC statistics). Additionally, those infected with HIV are more prone to becoming infected with Gonorrhea, due to their weakening immune system.

What are the symptoms for Gonorrhea?

Click the following for gonorrhea symptoms

Are there complications?

It is important to test for Gonorrhea and receive appropriate treatment because an untreated Gonorrheal infection can lead to serious health complications, often with irreversible effects. Just as symptoms of Gonorrhea manifest differently in men and women, so do the complications:

Men: Untreated Gonorrhea infection in men can progress and become a painful illness called Epididymitis. This condition is one that affects the ducts of the testicles – sometimes leading to infertility if left untreated for a long period of time.

Women: Untreated Gonorrhea infection in women can cause an often painful and permanent condition called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (also referred to as PID). Symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease can vary from the mild to most severe, which includes pain in the abdomen, as well as fever. Untreated PID can lead to chronic pain in the pelvis, caused by internal abscesses which are tough to cure. Untreated Pelvic Inflammatory Disease can even progress to the point that it damages a woman’s fallopian tubes so severely that it can cause infertility, as well as increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy (a very serious condition which is normally life-threatening, where the fertilized egg grows in the woman outside of the walls of the uterus).

Those infected with Gonorrhea, regardless of being a man or woman, are also at higher risk for contracting HIV.

Can you test for Gonorrhea?

Yes, it is possible to test for Gonorrheal infection. getSTDtested.com uses a urine based Gonorrhea testing, which you can even choose to take from the comfort of your own home. Click here to learn more about being tested for Gonorrhea.

Is Gonorrhea treatable?

Yes – there are various types of antibiotics that can successfully stave off infection, and cure Gonorrheal infection. Although there are cures for Gonorrhea, it is important to note that the effects the infection has had on your body (before treatment), are often irreversible. Because of this, it is increasingly important for any sexually active individual to be tested for Gonorrhea.

How do I prevent Gonorrhea from happening to me?

The only sure way to prevent Gonorrhea infection, as well as infection by any STD or STI, is to abstain from sexual intercourse – whether that is oral, vaginal, or anal sex. You can also lower your risk by being in an exclusive and monogamous relationship where both partners are fully aware of their sexual heath, and are known to be free from infection. Additionally, the use of latex condoms is always recommended for sexual activity, as they are proven to help lower your chances of contracting or transmitting Gonorrheal infection.