Gonorrhea

The Causes

Gonorrhea is caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. The infection is transmitted from one person to another through vaginal, oral, or anal sexual relations.

* Men have a 20% chance of getting the infection by having sexual relations with a woman infected with gonorrhea.

* Women have a 50% chance of getting the infection by having sexual relations with a man infected with gonorrhea.

* An infected mother may transmit gonorrhea to her newborn during vaginal childbirth.

The symptoms

Symptoms may appear within 2-10 days after exposure to an infected person-even longer for women (up to 3 weeks).

Men

* Pain or burning during urination in most men

* Thick, yellow penile discharge 50% of the time

* Inflammation or infection of a duct in the testicles

* Infection or inflammation of the prostate

Women

* No symptoms 30-40% of the time

* Gonorrhea may cause pelvic inflammatory disease (a serious medical condition that can lead to infertility)

* Infection and irritation of the cervix

* Need to urinate often

* Itching and burning of the vagina, usually with a thick yellow/green discharge

* Infection and irritation of the vagina (this is how the infection usually appears in children who may be victims of incest)

* Bleeding between menstrual periods

Newborns

* Irritation of the mucous membranes in the eyes (if not treated, can cause blindness)

Other

* Gonococcal throat infection should be considered in people who complain of sore throat and have other signs of gonococcal infection. Throat infections from gonorrhea are transmitted through oral sex but occur without any other symptoms in less than 5% of people infected with gonorrhea.

* Rectal pain or discharge can be a sign of infection of the prostate and is transmitted through anal intercourse.

The treatment

Gonorrhea can develop into more serious medical conditions if not treated. You must see a doctor for treatment.