Gonorrhea Testing

What is Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium. Gonorrhea grows and thrives best in moist and warm areas of the body such as the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, urethra, mouth, throat, and anus. Second to Chlamydia, Gonorrhea is one of the most reported sexually transmitted diseases in the United States. Gonorrhea is curable but if left untreated, it can cause irreversible damage.

What are the symptoms of Gonorrhea?

When a man is infected with Gonorrhea, he may or may not have symptoms. If symptoms occur, they may appear as early as 2 days or it can take up to 30 days. Symptoms may include:

• burning while urinating
• yellowish white discharge from the penis
• pain or swelling in the testicles

If left untreated, infertility or permanent scarring of the urethra may occur

When a woman is infected with Gonorrhea, she may experience no symptoms or mild symptoms that could be mistaken for other common vaginal or bladder infections. If symptoms are present they may include:
• burning while urinating
• yellow or bloody vaginal discharge
• abdominal pain
• fever

If left untreated, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) may develop. PID may cause many serious problems in a woman's reproductive tract including infertility.

In both men and women, Gonorrhea can spread to the joints or blood system which can be fatal.

Note: No one should ever assume that they have a particular STD based on symptoms alone. Many of these symptoms can be related to other illnesses. The only way to determine whether or not you are infected with Gonorrhea is to get tested and/or seek medical attention.


How is Gonorrhea transmitted?

Gonorrhea is transmitted by vaginal, anal, or oral contact with an infected area. It can be transmitted from a mother to her child during vaginal delivery. It is easier to contract HIV if you are infected with Gonorrhea.

Note: Through the consistent and correct use of latex or polyurethane condoms, a person may greatly reduce their risk of acquiring or transmitting STDs.


Is Gonorrhea curable and what are some treatment options?

Gonorrhea is a curable STD. If Gonorrhea is left untreated, any damage it may produce does not reverse with treatment. A common treatment for Gonorrhea is antibiotics/antimicrobial. Sex partners should receive treatment as well. Retesting three weeks after treatment is recommended to ensure a cure. Infected persons should abstain from sex until treatment is complete.


Facts and Figures

• In the U.S, there are over 650,000 new Gonorrhea infections each year and the infection growth rate has been growing steadily each year.
• Co-infection with Chlamydia occur in 10-30% of the cases.