KNOW THE FACTS

Gonorrhea is a very common and curable STI caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhea.

Young adults are most at risk for contracting gonorrhea. 60% of gonorrhea infections occur in people ages 15 to 24. Between 60 and 73% of young adults diagnosed with an STI become infected again in less than one year. Gonorrhea can be transmitted through oral, vaginal or anal sex, and ejaculation does not have to occur for gonorrhea to be transmitted or acquired. The bacteria can grow in the mouth, throat and rectum, and can also spread to other unlikely parts of the body.

 

PILLOW TALK

It is important to use condoms every time you have sex. However, condoms do not provide complete protection from infection, so be sure to talk to your partner about STIs as well.

 

DO YOU HAVE IT OR NOT?

The majority of men experience some symptoms. These include a burning sensation when urinating, a yellowish white discharge from the penis and painful or swollen testicles.

In women, the early symptoms of gonorrhea are mild and many women who are infected are unaware of symptoms. However, when a woman does experience symptoms they are often mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection. Initial symptoms include a painful, burning sensation when urinating and vaginal discharge that can be yellow or bloody.

 

YOU SHOULD BE CONCERNED

In men, gonorrhea can cause a condition called epididymitis. This is a painful condition of the testicles that can sometimes lead to infertility and scarring in the urethra.

In women, gonorrhea is a common cause of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a serious infection of the reproductive organs. Women with PID do not necessarily have signs or symptoms, but PID can lead to long-lasting pelvic pain and infertility.

 

THE MOST IMPORTANT TEST YOU NEED to PASS

Since many people with gonorrhea have no symptoms, talk to you your doctor about being tested. Your doctor may recommend a simple urine test. Usually, your physician will have results within a few days. If you test positive for gonorrhea, your doctor will give you a prescription for antibiotics.