STD - GONORRHEA
Symptom Definition
- Seeking information about gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease.
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.
General Information
- Gonorrhea is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrheae.
- Other common names for gonorrhea are “GC”, the “clap”, or the “drip”.
See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If
- PENIS SYMPTOMS (male genital symptoms)
- VULVAR SYMPTOMS (female genital symptoms)
- Questions about CHLAMYDIA, a sexually transmitted disease
- Questions about GENITAL HERPES, a sexually transmitted disease
- Questions about HIV, a sexually transmitted disease
- Questions about PUBIC LICE, a sexually transmitted disease
- Questions about TRICHOMONAS, a sexually transmitted disease
WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR GONORRHEA
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
HOME CARE ADVICE FOR GONORRHEA
- 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/NSTD/
- 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.
References and Resources
- American Social Health Association
- “Answers to your questions about teen sexual health and sexually transmitted diseases”.
- http://www.iwannaknow.org
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines 2002. MMWR. 2002; 51(RR-6):1-80.
-
Public Health Agency of Canada
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), Sexual Health Facts and Information
- http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/std-mts/faq_e.asp
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.