STD - Gonorrhea

STD - GONORRHEA

DEFINITION

  • Seeking information about gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease.

General Information

  • Gonorrhea is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrheae.
  • Other common names for gonorrhea are “GC”, the “clap”, or the “drip”.

Women

  • In women, gonorrhea most commonly causes an infection of the cervix or the urethra.
  • Symptoms for women can sometimes be mild and not very specific. Symptoms may include increased vaginal discharge, abnormal menstrual bleeding, painful sexual intercourse, or burning with urination.
  • Sometimes a woman can have no symptoms at all.
  • If not treated, gonorrhea can cause significant complications (e.g., pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy).

Men

  • In men, gonorrhea usually causes urethritis (infection of the tube inside the penis that carries urine out of the body).
  • Most men with gonorrhea will have symptoms. The most common symptoms are discharge from the penis (white or yellow) and burning with urination.
  • If not treated, gonorrhea can cause significant complications (e.g., epididymitis).

Women and Men

  • In both men and women, gonorrhea can sometimes cause an infection of the throat or of the rectum.
  • A person with gonorrhea is contagious until he or she has been treated with antibiotics.

References and Resources

  • American Social Health Association
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines 2002. MMWR. 2002; 51(RR-6):1-80.
  • Public Health Agency of Canada

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WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

Call your doctor now (night or day) if:

  • You were forced to have sex (sexual assault or rape)
  • You are a female with:
    • Fever and burning (pain) with urination
    • Constant lower abdominal pain lasting more than 2 hours
    • Unable to urinate for more than 4 hours, and bladder feels very full
  • You are a male with:
    • Fever and burning (pain) with urination
    • Fever and testicle pain or swelling
    • Unable to urinate for more than 4 hours, and bladder feels very full

Call your doctor within 24 hours (between 9am and 4pm) if:

  • You think you need to be seen
  • You are a female with:
    • Burning (pain) with urination
    • Unexplained lower abdominal pain
    • Abnormal color of vaginal discharge (i.e. yellow, green, gray)
    • Bad smelling vaginal discharge
    • Rectal discharge; or unusual rectal pain or itching
  • You are a male with:
    • Burning (pain) with urination
    • Pus (white, yellow) or bloody discharge from end of penis
    • Testicle pain or swelling
    • Rectal discharge; or unusual rectal pain or itching

Call your doctor during weekday office hours if:

  • You have other questions or concerns
  • You are worried you might have a sexually transmitted disease
  • You had sexual intercourse (oral, vaginal, or anal) with someone who was diagnosed with gonorrhea (Reason: you will need to be tested and treated)

Self care at home if:

  • No symptoms and you don't think you need to be seen
  • Questions about Gonorrhea
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HOME CARE ADVICE

  • How is gonorrhea transmitted?
    • By intercourse (vaginal or anal), or oral sex.
  • How long does it usually take for symptoms to appear once one is exposed?
    • The incubation period for gonorrhea is 2-7 days.
    • Sometimes people (especially women) can become infected and not show any symptoms.
  • How can I get tested for gonorrhea?
    • Gonorrhea is diagnosed by taking swabs of the urethra, vagina, throat, or rectum.
  • What is the treatment for gonorrhea?
    • Antibiotic therapy is needed. A person with gonorrhea is contagious until he or she has been treated.
    • Sexual partners should be evaluated and treated.
  • STD National Hotline
    • The CDC National STD Hotline provides information on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV/genital warts, herpes, and HIV/AIDS. Specialists can provide general information, referrals to local clinics, and written materials about STDs and disease prevention.
    • Toll-free number (English): (800) 227-8922
    • Toll-free number (Spanish): (800) 344-7432
    • Their website is at: http://www.ashastd.org/
  • Pregnancy Test When In Doubt: If there is any doubt about the possibility of pregnancy, then obtain and use a urine pregnancy test from the store.
  • Call Your Doctor If:
    • Pregnancy test is positive; or if you have difficulties with the home pregnancy test.
    • Discharge from penis or unusual vaginal discharge
    • You become worse or develop any of the “Call Your Doctor” symptoms.

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

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REFERENCES

  1. Braverman PK. Sexually transmitted diseases in adolescents. Med Clin North Am. 2000;84(4):869-89.
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2002;51(RR-6):1-78.
  3. Kodner C. Sexually transmitted infections in men. Prim Care. 2003; 30(1): 173-91.
  4. Miller KE. Women's health. Sexually transmitted diseases. Prim Care.1997;24(1):179-93.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

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