Gonorrhea
What It Is
Gonorrhea is an infection of the penis, vagina, anus, or throat.
- Gonorrhea is caused by bacteria (a kind of germ).
- You get gonorrhea by having sex with someone who has it.
- Gonorrhea can be spread by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
A simple and painless urine test can be done to find out if you have gonorrhea. TOP
Symptoms
You can have gonorrhea without knowing it. Many people don’t show signs at all. The best way to find out if you have it is to get tested.
Some people may have these signs:
- Pain when they urinate (pee) or have a bowel movement
- A yellow discharge from the penis or vagina
- For men, pain in the testicles
- For women, pain or tenderness in the abdomen
- A sore throat
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Long-Term Effects
Gonorrhea can be cured. But if you don’t get it treated, the following could happen:
- You can pass it on to others.
- You have a higher chance of getting HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).
If you have gonorrhea too long before being treated, it can cause these problems:
- Your joints may swell and hurt.
- The vagina or penis may swell and hurt.
A woman with untreated gonorrhea could get an infection that causes scars in her uterus or in the tubes that carry her eggs. If this happens:
- She could have a pregnancy inside her tubes (ectopic pregnancy).
- She could have pelvic pain and infection (PID).
- She might become sterile (unable to get pregnant).
If a woman has gonorrhea while she is pregnant, gonorrhea could harm the baby’s eyes during birth.
A man with untreated gonorrhea could get a bad infection that causes scarring of the tubes that carry sperm. If this happens, he might not be able to have children. TOP
Treatment
To cure gonorrhea:
- You must get a shot or take pills.
- You and your partner(s) must be treated.
- Take all of your pills, even if you feel better.
- Do not have sex until you and your partner(s) have been treated. You may need another checkup to be sure you are cured.
If you think you may be pregnant, be sure to tell your doctor before you get treated. TOP
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