Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection that is the second most commonly reported communicable disease in the U.S., after chlamydia. Gonorrhea can infect both men and women. It can cause infections in the eyes, throat, genitals, and rectum, and be spread to the pelvis, skin, joints, liver, and rarely, the heart and brain. You can get gonorrhea by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has gonorrhea.
When taken properly, certain medications will stop the infection, but will not repair any permanent damage done by the disease. The CDC now recommends combination antibiotic therapy with ceftriaxone, 250 mg as a single intramuscular dose, plus an oral medication. You should be tested again about three months after you are treated, even if your sex partner(s) was treated.
Most women who have a gonococcal infection have no symptoms or signs, but are still at risk of developing serious complications. When women do have symptoms and signs, they are often mild and can be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection.
SYMPTOMS
Women with symptoms may notice:
Men with symptoms may notice:
Both men and women may notice:
RISK FACTORS
Factors that increase your risk of gonorrhea include:
TIPS TO PREVENT CONTRACTING GONORRHEA
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