Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) of the reproductive organs, caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhea. It is spread by sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral, or anal), and through childbirth to newborns of infected mothers. The urethra (tube through which urine is carried from the bladder to outside the body) in both sexes and reproductive organs of females are affected. Gonorrhea can also affect the rectum, throat, joints, and eyes of both sexes. Infection is most common in young adults, although it occurs in all age groups. There is usually a period of several days after exposure before symptoms appear, and most females have few, if any, symptoms. Your risk of being infected increases if you have multiple sexual partners or have unprotected (without a condom) sexual intercourse.
Symptoms may include:
Pain with urination
Discharge from the penis, vagina, or urethra
Rectal pain and discharge
Low grade fever
Pain with sexual intercourse
Joint pain
Rash (especially on palms)
Sore throat
What your doctor can do:
Diagnose gonorrhea by asking about your symptoms, doing a physical exam, and ordering laboratory tests, including cultures from the genital tract, throat, or rectum.
Perform tests for other sexually transmitted diseases.
Prescribe antibiotics, which result in rapid cure if taken properly.
Report the outbreak of this disease to the local health department to limit its spread.
What you can do:
Take prescribed antibiotics exactly as ordered until they are all gone.
Take non-prescription pain-relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve) for minor discomfort.
Notify any sexual contacts so that they may be treated.
Refrain from sexual activity until one week after treatment is finished.
Limit caffeine (coffee, colas, and some teas) and alcohol intake during treatment since they may cause irritation.
Avoid sexual partners whose health status is uncertain.
Use condoms correctly and consistently during sexual intercourse.
Follow up with your doctor as directed.
For further information, contact your state Health Department or the American Social Health Association at toll free1-800-230-6039.
Contact your doctor if you have symptoms of gonorrhea; if you are at high risk for infection, if your symptoms worsen after treatment, or if you suffer side effects of the medication occur.
