Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Gonorrhea

by Michelle Badash, MS
Definition

Gonorrhea is an infection caused by bacteria. It is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Causes

It is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae . It is passed during vaginal, oral, or anal sexual intercourse.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your chance of gonorrhea include:

  • Having sex without a condom
  • Age: 15-29
  • History of having a sexually transmitted disease
  • Multiple sex partners
  • Sexual intercourse with a partner who has a history of any STD
Symptoms

Not all people that are infected will have symptoms. Some may have very severe symptoms. If there are symptoms, they may appear 2-10 days after contact with an infected partner. In some cases, they do not occur for up to a month.

People with gonorrhea may experience some, all, or none of the following symptoms:

Men
  • Burning sensation while urinating
  • Discharge from the penis
  • Tender or swollen testicles
Women
  • Abdominal pain
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge
  • Burning sensation while urinating
  • Unusual vaginal bleeding
Men and Women
  • Anal itching
  • Bleeding
  • Blood infections
  • Eye infections
  • Joint pains
  • Painful bowel movements
  • Signs of meningitis (rare)
  • Soreness
Diagnosis

Three tests are commonly used to diagnose gonorrhea:

  • Gram stain—A sample of the discharge from the penis or cervix is taken. It is examined for the presence of bacteria. This test is more accurate for men than women.
  • Laboratory analysis—A smear of the discharge is taken. It is sent to a lab. After two days, it is checked for growth of the bacteria.
  • Nucleic acid probe test—Discharge or urine is tested for nucleic acids. These acids identify gonorrhea.
Treatment

Your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic. Some strains of gonorrhea have developed resistance to certain antibiotics. You and your doctor will work together to find an antibiotic that is effective. It is important to take all of the medication as prescribed. All of your sexual partners should be tested and treated.

If Gonorrhea Is Left Untreated

If gonorrhea is not treated, it can cause problems in:

In Men
  • Testicles— epididymitis , a painful condition of the testicles that may lead to infertility
  • Prostate
  • Urethra—scarring on the inside of the urethra can make it difficult to urinate
In Women

If you are diagnosed with gonorrhea, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions .

Prevention

The most effective way to prevent an STD is to abstain from sex. Other preventive measures include:

  • Always use condoms during sexual activity.
  • Have regular checkups for sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Have sex with only one partner who has sex only with you.

Some other barrier methods of contraception may provide some protection. Talk to your doctor about your options.

Last reviewed: September 2011 by Lawrence Frisch, MD, MPH.

RESOURCES:
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/std/gonorrhea/arg/default.htm . Updated August 2009. Accessed August 6, 2010.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gonorrhea. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/std/gonorrhea/ . Accessed August 9, 2010.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2010. MMWR 2010;59(No. RR-12):1-110.
  • Gonococcal infections. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine . 17th ed. New York, NY: McGraw Hill; 2000.
  • Mayo Clinic. Gonorrhea. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pneumonia/DS00135/DSECTION=causes . Updated November 5, 2010. Accessed November 17, 2010.
  • National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Gonorrhea. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases website. Available at: http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/gonorrhea/default.htm . Updated March 2009. Accessed July 6, 2009.