Some Basics...

• Gonorrhea (GC) is caused by a bacteria.
• GC can be spread by vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
• GC can be treated with antibiotics. Until they have been treated, people with gonorrhea can spread it.
• Condoms are the only effective way to prevent STDs during sex. Condoms can also be used during oral and anal sex to prevent STDs.

Genital Symptoms in Women

• In women, GC most often causes an infection of the cervix or the urethra.
• Symptoms for women can sometimes be mild. There can be vaginal discharge or burning with urination. Such symptoms can be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection.
• A woman may also see changes in her period. She may have pain during sex.
• Sometimes a woman can have no symptoms at all.

Genital Symptoms in Men

• In men, GC most often causes urethritis. This is an infection of the urethra of the penis. The urethra is the small tube that carries urine from the bladder, through the penis, and out of the body.
• Most men with GC will have symptoms. These include white or yellow discharge from the penis and burning with urination.
• Sometimes a man can have no symptoms at all.

Complications

If not treated, GC can cause worse problems.

• In women pelvic inflammatory disease can occur. This is an infection of the tubes. This causes scarring of the tubes. As a result, ectopic pregnancy is more likely. This damage to female organs can also result in infertility.
• In men, GC can spread and cause epididymitis. This is an infection of a tiny gland next to each testicle.

1. What You Should Know:
   • Gonorrhea (GC) is caused by a bacteria.
   • GC is a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
   • Antibiotic drugs can treat GC.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. How Is GC Spread?
   • GC is spread by having sex with someone who has it.
   • It can be spread by vaginal, oral or anal sex.
   • It can be spread by fluids even if a man does not ejaculate.
   • A mother can give GC to her baby during childbirth.
     
3. Symptoms:
   • Sometimes there are no symptoms. A person can have it and not know it.
   • Men: White or yellow discharge from the penis and burning with urination.
   • Women: Vaginal discharge or burning with urination. Changes in menstrual period. Pain with sex.
4. How Long Does It Take for Symptoms to Appear after Exposure?
   • Symptoms most often start within 2-7 days.
   • Sometimes people may be infected but not have any symptoms. This happens more often to women.
5. Testing:
   • The doctor can test your urine for GC.
   • Sometimes a swab is taken of the penis, urethra, vagina, throat, or rectum.
   • A blood test is not needed.
6. Treatment:
   • Either antibiotic pills or a shot can be used to treat GC.
   • A person with GC can spread it until he or she has been treated.
   • People can get GC more than once. You can be treated for GC and still get it again.
   • Sexual partners should be tested and treated.
7. Prevention:
   • Remember, using a condom is the only effective way to prevent getting an STD from sex. Condoms can also be used during oral and anal sex to prevent STDs.
   • You need testing and antibiotic treatment if you had sex (oral, vaginal, or anal) with someone with GC and did not use a condom.
8. Pregnancy Test, When in Doubt:
   • If there is a chance that you might be pregnant, use a urine pregnancy test.
   • You can buy a pregnancy test at the drugstore.
   • It works best first thing in the morning.
   • Follow all package instructions.
9. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Pregnancy test is positive or you have trouble with the at-home test
   • Discharge from penis or vagina is not normal
   • You get worse

1. United States - STD Hotline:
   • American Social Health Association STD Hotline provides information on STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV/genital warts, herpes, and HIV/AIDS. It can provide referrals to local clinics.
   • Toll-free number (English): (800) 227-8922
   • Toll-free number (Spanish): (800) 344-7432
   • Their website is at: http://www.ashastd.org
2. Internet Resources:
   • American Social Health Association: This website has answers to your questions about sexual health and STDs. It can be found at http://www.iwannaknow.org
   • STD Treatment Guidelines 2010, Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC): This can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/2010/default.htm
   • Public Health Agency of Canada: Sexual health facts and information can be found at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/std-mts/faq_e.html