STD - Gonorrhea

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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.

Additional Resources

1. American Social Health Association
   • “Answers to your questions about teen sexual health and sexually transmitted diseases.”
   • http://www.iwannaknow.org
2. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines 2002. MMWR. 2002; 51(RR-6):1-80.
3. Public Health Agency of Canada
   • Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), Sexual Health Facts and Information
   • http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/std-mts/faq_e.html

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

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

• You were forced to have sex (sexual assault or rape)
• You are a female with any of the following:
  • 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 any of the following:
  • 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 any of the following:
  • 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 any of the following:
  • 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

1. How is gonorrhea transmitted?
   • By intercourse (vaginal or anal), or oral sex.
2. 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.
3. How can I get tested for gonorrhea?
   • Gonorrhea is diagnosed by taking swabs of the urethra, vagina, throat, or rectum.
4. 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.
5. 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
6. Pregnancy Test When In Doubt:
   • If there is any possibility of pregnancy, obtain and use a urine pregnancy test from the local drug store.
   • Follow the instructions included in the package.
7. 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

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

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