What You Need To Know - Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and the scary

thing about it is that many women who contract this STI have no symptoms. It is estimated that 700, 000 new cases of gonorrhea happen every year, and less then half of those infections are reported to the Center for Disease Control.

The only way to know if you are infected is to get tested regularly. This test can easily be done with a culture when you see your OBGYN. Regular testing is important because if left untreated gonorrhea can develop into Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) leading to infertility in many women.

Who is at risk?

Anyone who is sexually active can easily contract gonorrhea.

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection which is transmitted through direct sexual contact: Vaginal, Oral or anal. This bacterial, Nesseria Gonorrhea, multiplies and grows easily in any warm moist area of the body including the mouth, throat, eyes, urethras and reproductive tract of both women and men.

Symptoms

Men who contract gonorrhea usually develop symptoms one to fourteen days after infection and can last up to a month. Men experience pain or burning during urination and a white, yellow or greenish discharge from the penis. Some men may also experience swelling and pain in the testicles.

When women do have symptoms they usually arise somewhere around 10 days after exposed and they are often mistaken for a urinary track infection. These symptoms include burning or painful urination,

Treatment

Gonorrhea can usually be effectively treated with antibiotics however there are now resistant stains of gonorrhea in many parts of the world which may mean that multiple medications will be required. If you are treated for gonorrhea it is very important that you take all medications completely and as directed by your doctor. If you continue to have symptoms like pain during urination or discharge it is also important to return to your doctor for further evaluation and treatment.

Protection

Because gonorrhea is easily passed between sexual partners it is important that a person who is exposed to the bacteria be treated as contagious immediately and until they have fully completed treatment. Use of latex condoms and dental dams can reduce exposure.

It is also key that anyone infected is treated and informs their sexual partners that they need treatment as well. Gonorrhea can be passed back and forth between partners and so having all partners treated is the best way to prevent further infection.

For more information contact us at Parkmed OBGYN (212) 686-6066.

by: Heather MacGibbon

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