Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease that can cause infections in the genitals, rectum and throat for both men and women. It is common among young people around ages 15-24 years.
What are the symptoms of Gonorrhea?
Most men and women have no symptoms at all. Men who do have symptoms may have burning sensation when urinating, a white, yellow or green discharge from the penis or painful or swollen testicles. For women, symptoms can be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection. Sometimes symptoms are mild. Symptoms include painful or burning sensation when urinating, increased vaginal discharge, or vaginal bleeding between periods. Symptoms for rectal infections for both men and women include:
Discharge
Anal itching
Soreness
Bleeding
Painful bowel movements
Gonorrhea and Pregnancy
Having gonorrhea during pregnancy is fatal to the baby’s health because the infection can be passed to the baby during delivery. If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which could lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb), formation of scar tissue that blocks the fallopian tubes and long-term pelvic or abdominal pain. Though it rarely happens, gonorrhea may cause a man to be sterile. Getting tested and early treatment helps to prevent health problems during pregnancy.
Testing and Treatment for Gonorrhea
Sexually active young people are at risk for chlamydia as well as gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. Gonorrhea can spread through vaginal, oral or anal sex. Sexually active women who are younger than 25 years old, those who have new or multiple sex partners, or have a sex partner who has a sexually transmitted infection should be tested for gonorrhea. A doctor or healthcare provider may ask for a urine sample. They may use a cotton swab to get a sample from the throat, rectum, male’s urethra or a woman’s cervix to test for gonorrhea. Medication prescribed by your doctor should be taken correctly and should not be shared with anyone.
Prevention of Gonorrhea
Abstaining from vaginal, anal or oral sex is the only way to avoid getting STDs. If you are sexually active, you can reduce your risk of getting chlamydia by using latex condoms correctly and being with a long-term partner who has tested negative for STDs.
References:
http://www.cdc.gov/std/gonorrhea/stdfact-gonorrhea.htm