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ABCMD definition of Gonorrhea: Gonorrhea is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI or STD) that affects the genital and urinary tracts and often causes those infected to experience such things as purulent (pus) discharge from the penis or vagina and difficulty or pain with urination.

What is Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacterium known as Neisseria Gonorrhea. This bacterium grows and multiplies in moist and warm cavities of the body such as the mouth, rectum, cervix and urinary tract.

People affected by this bacterium typically experience difficulty or pain during urination. They can also experience a discharge from the penis or vagina which contains pus and often has a foul odor (bad smell).

What are the causes Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a Sexually Transmitted Infection caused by the bacterium known as Neisseria Gonorrhea. It can be transmitted from one person to another through vaginal, oral or anal sexual encounters. It is important to note that someone can have Gonorrhea and not have any symptoms.  This makes testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI or STD) such as Gonorrhea and practicing safe sex all the more important as one of the primary risk factors for Gonorrhea is unprotected sexual intercourse.

Newborn babies can also become infected during vaginal delivery and childbirth if the mother has Gonorrhea.

What are the symptoms of Gonorrhea?

People with Gonorrhea may be asymptomatic (have no symptoms at all).  This is typically seen more in females with Gonorrhea.  Others may experience a variety of symptoms as shown below.  Infections may take up to 2 to 14 days to produce symptoms. Due to the possibility of slow onset of symptoms and also the possibility of having no symptoms at all, many people are often unaware of an infection. This is one of the reasons why this disease can spread so easily.

Men typically experience some of the following symptoms with Gonorrheal infections:

·         Thick whitish-yellowish discharge from the penis

·         Burning sensation during urination/peeing (sometimes its severe)

·         Inflammation of the prostate

Women have a higher likelihood of having no symptoms at all and being unaware of an infection.  However women may also experience some of the following symptoms:

·         Thick whitish-yellowish discharge from vagina

·         Abnormal vaginal bleeding

·         Abdominal pain

·         Vomiting or fever

·         Burning and itching of the vagina

·         Increase in need to urinate

If you are concerned about having Gonorrhea or have been sexually active talk with your doctor about testing for Gonorrhea and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI or STD). Untreated Sexually Transmitted Infections lead to spread of disease and can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women.  Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a very serious disease that can cause such things as:

Ectopic pregnancy (An implanted or developing embryo outside of the uterus).  

Abscess formation

Chronic pain

Infertility (Inability to or difficulty with becoming pregnant)

How is gonorrhea diagnosed?

Gonorrhea and other Sexually Transmitted Infections should be diagnosed by your doctor.  A variety of different methods exist to diagnose this infection.  Your doctor may perform a gram stain, a culture test or obtain a urine sample, etc. 

In the gram stain test a small amount of discharge from the vagina or penis is taken (usually on a sterile swab).  This is then placed on a slide that is viewed under a microscope to examine for the presence of the infecting bacteria, Neisseria gonorrhea.

With the culture test the discharge from penis or vagina is taken and placed onto a culture plate. This is then incubated for a period of time, usually for 2 days, to see whether the Neisseria gonorrhea multiplies and grows.

Urine samples may also be collected by your doctor to test for Gonorrhea.   

How is gonorrhea treated?

Antibiotics are the main form of treatment for Gonorrhea.   Your doctor may provide you with an injection of an antibiotic such as Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) or provide you a prescription for a pill such as Ciprofloxacin.  It is important to treat yourself if you are infected, but also anyone with whom you have had sexual contact with as they may re-infect you or others if they are not treated themselves.  Talk with your doctor about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI or STD) and their preferred treatment plan for these infections. 

Prevention is the key.  Sexually active people should use preventive measures, such as latex condoms, to prevent STDs and STIs such as Gonorrhea. Latex condoms, if used consistently and correctly, are a very effective means of preventing STDs and STIs.

Abstinence, or not having sexual intercourse, is the most effective way to prevent yourself from becoming infected.  If you are not having sexual intercourse, you will not obtain Sexually Transmitted Infections or diseases and you will not experience unplanned or unwanted pregnancies. 

The bottom line is BE RESPONSIBLE!!  Your parents tell you these things for a reason.

This information has been reviewed by Matthew C Niesen MD, a resident at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics in order to help ensure the accuracy and completeness of information written.  However, this information may not be entirely complete and should be discussed with your physician prior to making any medical decisions or changes in your medical care.