Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can infect both men and women.
Sexual & reproductive healthOverview
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can infect both men and women.
Gonorrhea can cause infections in the genitals, rectum, and throat. It is a very common infection, especially among young adults. You can get gonorrhea during vaginal, oral, or anal sex with an infected partner. An infected pregnant woman with gonorrhea can pass it to her baby during childbirth.
Gonorrhea can be cured with proper treatment.
Symptoms
- Infection of the urethra (urethritis) is the typical infection in men, commonly developing in 5 to 7 days after having sex with an affected person. Symptoms include fluid discharge and pain or burning during urination. Irritation and redness at the end of the penis, or a feeling of wanting to pass urine frequently can also be symptoms of an infection of the urethra.
- If untreated, it can cause problems with the prostate and testicles.
- increase or change in vaginal discharge
- pain in the lower part of the stomach
- bleeding between periods, or heavy periods
- pain when passing urine
- rectal itching or a sore throat
- If untreated, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which causes problems with pregnancy and infertility.
Causes & risk factors
Gonorrhea is caused by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. These bacteria can infect the genital tract, mouth, and rectum of both men and women. In women the opening to the uterus (cervix) is the first place of infection.
When to get help
See your doctor for discharge, burning with urination, or pelvic pain, and get tested if a partner has an STD, since gonorrhea often has no symptoms. Prompt treatment prevents complications like infertility.
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All information on this site is provided “as-is” for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. You should consult with a medical professional if you have any questions about your health.