For More Information, Please Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

GONORRHEA

References: Gonorrhea- CDC fact sheet http://www.cdc.gov/std/Gonorrhea/STDFact-gonorrhea.htm

For more information, please talk to your healthcare provider.

What is gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection transmitted during sex. The bacteria like to grow in warm, moist parts of the body including the vagina, the penis and the mouth/throat. It can also infect the eyes and anus.

How do I know if I have gonorrhea?

Men: Many men do not show any signs of having an infection. Possible symptoms include burning during urination, a green or yellow discharge from the penis, and painful or swollen testicles. These symptoms usually appear 2-5 days after exposure, but can appear as late as 30 days after.

Women: Most women do not show any signs of infection. When they do, they are easily mistaken for a bladder infection. Some symptoms include burning during urination and increased vaginal discharge.

I think I might have gonorrhea. What do I do?

If you think you have been exposed to someone who has gonorrhea, or if you have any of the signs of a gonorrhea infection, it is important to get tested right away.

Contact your local clinic, or St. Vincent’s, to request a test.

What happens if the test is positive?

If the test is positive for gonorrhea infection, a health care provider will call with the results and provide treatment.

At the time of the initial visit, if it is very likely that the test will be positive, the doctor may decide to treat you before the results return.

What is the treatment for gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is completely curable with antibiotics. It is important to take all of the antibiotics prescribed to completely kill the bacteria. It is also important for the sexual partner to be treated.

Many people who have gonorrhea also have another sexually transmitted disease called Chlamydia. The doctor will probably treat for this disease at the same time with another antibiotic.

What if I don’t get treated?

Gonorrhea can cause serious problems if left untreated. The infection can spread to the uterus (womb), fallopian tubes (egg canals) and ovaries (where your eggs are stored). This can lead to serious infections and possible infertility (inability to have children).

How do I prevent gonorrhea?

The best way to keep from getting a sexually transmitted disease is to not have sex. This means no contact with the vagina or penis at all. Condoms can also lower the risk of STD’s but is not always effective. Birth control pills do NOT protect you from STD’s.

References: Gonorrhea- CDC fact sheet http://www.cdc.gov/std/Gonorrhea/STDFact-gonorrhea.htm

For more information, please talk to your healthcare provider.

References: Gonorrhea- CDC fact sheet http://www.cdc.gov/std/Gonorrhea/STDFact-gonorrhea.htm

For more information, please talk to your healthcare provider.