by Darian

Created on: July 10, 2008   Last Updated: July 16, 2008

GONORRHEA:

Is a contagious disease transmitted through body fluids, usually by sexual contact. A mother can pass the infection on to her new born. Both men and women can be infected with gonorrhea. The infection is easily spread. If left untreated gonorrhea can cause serious and permanent problems in both men and women. In women the disease can cause damage to the fallopian tubes, causing infertility. In men untreated gonorrhea can cause epididymitis, a painful condition of the testicles that can often lead to infertility. Gonorrhea can spread to the bones and joints, this condition can be life threading. People with gonorrhea can more easily contact HIV. Gonorrhea in pregnant women can cause premature birth or misarrange. The infected mother may give the infection to her infant as the baby passes through the birth canal.

Gonorrhea bacteria can grow and multiply in warm, moist areas of the reproductive tract, including the cervix, uterus and fallopian tubes in women. It can be present in urethra of both men and women.

Symptoms usually occur within 2-10 days after exposure, but can take up to 30 days. Gonorrhea symptoms in women can include,
discharge from the vagina, yellowish green or whitish.
Pelvic pain
burning when urinating
conjunctivitis (red itchy eyes)
burning of the throat (due to oral sex)
swelling of glands in the throat (due to oral sex)

To test for gonorrhea, a sample of fluid from the urethra in men or the cervix in women is taken. The doctor may also do a throat or anal culture. A urine sample may also be taken.

Gonorrhea is treated with either oral or injectable antibiotics. Your pardner should be treated at the same time. Tell everyone you have had sex with that you are infected. Don't have sex until you have taken all your medication. Doxycycline, erythromycin and levofloxacin, are some common antibiotics used to treat gonorrhea. The treatment will last from 7-14 days depending on the doctor's recommendation. If taken as directed, antibiotics cure gonorrhea, if they are not taken properly, the infection will not be cured. Some health professionals recommend retesting 3-12 months after treatment to reduce the risk of complications from reinfection.

To reduce your risk of infection:
use condoms
limit your number of sex partners.
Any discharge or burning during urination or unusual sore or rash should be a signal to stop having sex and consult your doctor.

WEB MD

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