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Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that afflicts more than 700,000 people in the U.S. every year. It is caused by a bacterium that grows in the moist areas of the reproductive tracts in women and the urethra of both men and women. It can grow in the mouth, throat and the anus. Those infected have a higher chance of contacting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

It spreads through contact through vaginal, oral and anal sex. Sexually active adults, teenagers and African Americans are most vulnerable to get infected.

Symptoms do not always show and if they do it can be up to 30 days before any symptoms occur. A burning sensation when urinating and penile and vaginal discharges occur for men and women respectively. Women often experience no symptom at all.

Rectal infections include discharge, itching, soreness and painful bowel movements. If the infection is in the throat, you may get a sore throat, but generally there are no other symptoms.

If gonorrhea is left untreated, it can cause permanent health issues. About one million women in America develop Pelvic Inflammation Disease that leads to fever and abdominal pain. The fallopian tubes can be damaged leading to infertility. Men experience epididymitis, a painful condition in the ducts of the testicles. If left untreated, infertility can result.

Laboratory tests are required to diagnose the disease. A GRAM stain obtained from the urethra or the cervix allows the doctor to see the bacteria under a microscope. It's a better test for men than women.

Treatments are often successful through the use of antibiotics to treat both gonorrhea and chlamydia, another STD that is present in a number of cases. Cipro was the standard treatment. However, bacteria soon became resistant to treatment. The alternative treatment is a new class of antibiotics, the cephalosporins (Keflex). But while medication may rid you of the disease, it does nothing to reverse any permanent damage that has already occurred.

To avoid getting infected, the best prevention is to abstain from sexual intercourse, especially with many partners. A single partner who is not infected is a better defense. If you must be active, use condoms.

Safer sex or avoidance altogether can help you live longer and stay healthier.

Learn more about this author, Mario Carini.
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