Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause serious health problems, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and infertility in both men and women. Therefore, it is important to seek treatment for gonorrhea as soon as possible if you think you may have been infected.1
The most common symptoms of gonorrhea in men are a burning sensation during urination, testicles that are inflamed or hurt and penis discharge that is white, yellow, or green. In women, generally have no symptoms, if any, generally mild, such as a burning sensation during urination, bleeding between periods, increased vaginal discharge, painin the abdominal area and during sex.2
To diagnose gonorrhea, your doctor will collect samples from urine or swab from the infected area, test it for the presence of the bacteria causing the infection. If the test is positive, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. It is important to take all of the prescribed medication, even if your symptoms go away, to make sure the infection clears up completely.3
In addition to seeking medical treatment, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting gonorrhea, including using a condom every time you have sex and limiting the number of your sexual partners. Get tested for STIs on a regular basis, especially if you are sexually active.3
If you think you may have been infected with gonorrhea or you have any other concerns about your sexual health, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider. They can provide you with more information and advice on how to manage the infection and reduce your risk of getting STIs in the future.4
References:
- Meredith Goodwin, MD. Hand What to know about gonorrhea. MedicalNewsToday. Last reviewed March 14, 2022. Available at:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155653
- WebMD editorial staff. Gonorrhea. WebMD. Last reviewed: December, 2022. Available at:
https://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/gonorrhea#1
- Mayo Clinic Staff. Gonorrhea. MayoClinic. Last reviewed: : December, 2022. Available at:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gonorrhea/symptoms-causes/syc-20351774
- dr. Fadhli Rizal Makarim. Gonore. halodoc. Last reviewed: April 27, 2022. Available at: