A female who has gonorrhea may have no symptoms or her symptoms may be so mild that she does not notice them until they become more severe. Sometimes, a girl will feel a burning sensation when urinating, or they will have a yellow-green vaginal discharge. Girls can also experience bleeding between menstrual cycles. Other symptoms include, increased urination, painful sexual intercourse, severe pain in lower abdomen, fever, and sore throat.
A male who has gonorrhea is more likely to notice symptoms, although, they can also have gonorrhea and not realize it. Males often experience a burning sensation while urinatinating. A yellowish-white discharge may ooze out of the urethra. Other symptoms in men incluce increased urination, red or swolled opening of penis, tender or swollen testicles, and sore throat.
Gonorrhea can become serious if left untreated. In females, the infection can move into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. This can lead to scarring and infertility. Being infected with gonorrhea during pregnancy can cause problems for the baby, including meningitis and an eye infection that can result in blindness if it is not treated. In males, the disease can spread to the epididymis which can cause pain and swelling in the testicular area. This can create scar tissue that might make a man infertile. In males and females, gonorrhea can affect other organs and parts of the body, including the throat, eyes, heart, brain, skin and joints.
Gonorrhea is diagnosed with gonococci are detected with a microscope examination. Gonorrhea can be quickly identified by staining a sample of tissue or discharge from the infection. Cultures provide absolute proof of infection. Usually, samples for a culture are taken from the cervix, vagina, urethra, anus, or throat.
Several antibiotics can cure gonorrhea in adolescents and adults. It is important to take all of the medication prescribed to cure gonorrhea. Although the medication will stop the infection, it will not repair any permanent damage done by the disease. People who have had gonorrhea and have been treated can get the disease again, if they have sexual intercourse with an infected person. If a person’s symptoms continue after treatment, they should return to the doctor to be reevaluated.
The most effective way to avoid transmission of STDs is to abstain from sexual intercourse. Latex condoms, when used correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission of gonorrhea. Any genital symptoms such as discharge or burning during urination or unusual sore or rash should be a signal to stop having sexual intercourse and see a doctor immediately. If a person has been diagnosed and treated for gonorrhea, he or she should notify all recent partners so they can get medical attention and be treated. This will reduce the risk that the partners will develop serious complications from gonorrhea and will also reduce the person’s risk of being re-infected. The person and all partners must avoid intercourse until they have completed their treatment for gonorrhea.
