Gonorrhea
What is Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is an infection caused by
bacteria called Niesseria gonorrhea. Gonorrhea can infect the genitals, anus, eyes, mouth and throat, and is sexually transmitted by oral, anal and
genital sex. Gonorrhea can also be passed from a woman to her baby during delivery. It is sometimes referred to as "the clap." If not diagnosed and treated early, it may
cause lifelong complications such as blindness, arthritis and
infertility. It is easily treated soon after
infection with antibiotics. However, the risk of re-infection is high unless the sexual partner is also treated.
How common is Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is very common, with more than 700,000 (estimated) new cases each year in the United States. Both men and women may
have gonorrhea without symptoms, so you
can be infected without knowing that anything is wrong. In men, a
yellow discharge from the penis and pain when passing urine may occur.
In women, there may be a vaginal discharge, lower abdominal pain and
irregular menstrual bleeding.
Diagnosis requires
laboratory tests to look for bacteria. Swab
specimens may be taken from the urethra, throat, cervix or rectum.
Gonorrhea can be simply and effectively treated with antibiotics if it
is diagnosed early.
