Gonorrhea

Basic Facts

In 2006 there were 1207 Gonorrhea cases reported in Wyoming.

Gonorrhea is caused by the bacteria known as Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Most common among sexually active young adults and teens.

Some men with gonorrhea may have no symptoms at all. However some men have signs or symptoms that appear 2-5 days after infection. Symptoms can take as long as 30 days to appear.

For women, the symptoms of gonorrhea are often mild, but most women who are infected have no symptoms. These symptoms can be so non-specific they are sometimes mistaken for bladder or vaginal infection.

Gonorrhea is spread through contact with the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus.

Ejaculation does not have to occur for gonorrhea to be transmitted.

Both males and females can pass gonorrhea to partners without knowing it.

If you are pregnant you can pass the infection to your baby if not treated.

Symptoms of gonorrhea include:

Women
- Unusual dischange from vagina
- Burning during urination
- Abnormal bleeding
- Rectal bleeding

Men
- Discharge from your penis
- Burning during urination
- Rectal Bleeding
- pain and swelling of testicles

Gonorrhea can be treated and cured with antibiotics.

If left untreated gonorrhea can lead to serious health problems, including, pain, fever, and infertility.

If you have untreated gonorrhea you have a higher chance of getting HIV if you have unprotected sex with an HIV-infected partner.

Transmission

Gonorrhea is spread through contact with the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus.  Ejaculation does not have to occur for gonorrhea to be transmitted or acquired.  Gonorrhea can also be spread from mother to baby during delivery.

People who have had gonorrhea and received treatment may get infected again if they have sexual contact with a person infected with gonorrhea.

Risk Factors

You can get gonorrhea from having unprotected (without a condom) vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has gonorrhea.

Gonorrhea passes from an infected mother to a baby during childbirth.

All sexually active people are at risk for gonorrhea. All partners must be treated to decrease risk of reinfection.

Prevention

Not having sex with anyone.

Get tested. Know your status and the status of your partner.

Having sex only with 1 partner who only has sex with you. People who have many sex partners are at higher risk of getting STDs.

Condoms, used the right way from start to finish each time you have sex may help provide protection.

Spermicidal foams, creams, jellies (and condoms coated with spermicide) may cause microscopic abrasions that make it easier to contract an STD. Spermicides are not recommended for routine use.

The most effective way to prevent a gonorrhea infection is to not have sex or have sex with someone you know is not infected (that has had a recent negative gonorrhea test).

A number of commonly used antibiotics are effective.  Partners must be treated at the same time.  Prevention: intact condoms (latex or polyurethane) should provide protection.