What is gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is an STD that can infect the urethra, anus, cervix, throat and eyes of both men and women. Gonorrhea can be transmitted though oral, anal and vaginal sex without a condom. Using condoms is highly effective in preventing gonorrhea.
How would you know if you had gonorrhea?
Symptoms usually develop within two to seven days after contact, but symptoms may be mild or absent for some time. Both men and women may experience burning or discomfort when urinating or an abnormal vaginal or penile discharge.
How do you test for gonorrhea?
A urine sample or a swab collected from the cervix, urethra, anus or throat can detect gonorrhea. It is important for men not to pass urine for a minimum of two hours prior to having the genital tests.
Is there any treatment for gonorrhea?
The correct antibiotics reliably and rapidly cure gonorrhea. Sexual contact should be avoided until follow-up tests have been taken to ensure the infection has resolved after treatment.
Are there any complications of gonorrhea?
If gonorrhea is inadequately or not treated it may leas to decreased fertility in both men and women or progress to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women.
Do sexual partners need treatment?
All sexual partners in the last few months exposed by vaginal, anal or oral sex without condoms should be informed and offered testing and treatment, irrespective of whether they have symptoms. As some people may unknowingly carry gonorrhea, especially in their throat, previous partners may need contacting too.
How can I protect myself from gonorrhea?
Using condoms for vaginal, anal and oral sex is the most effective prevention for gonorrhea.