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Gonorrhea is an infectious, sexually transmitted disease that primarily affects the lining tissues of the genital tract, urinary tract and rectum. The infection is caused the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Most cases of gonorrhea occur teens and young adults age 15 to 24. However, gonorrhea can occur at any age. Although the number of cases of gonorrhea in the United States has decreased dramatically since the implementation of a national control program in 1975, an estimated 700,000 new cases occur annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
TRANSMISSION
Gonorrhea is transmitted through direct contact with infected tissues, which occurs primarily via oral, anal and vaginal sex. Although infections usually involve the reproductive organs, urinary tract and rectum, the throat and eyes can also be infected if there is direct contact with the bacteria. Babies born to pregnant women with gonorrhea may be infected with the bacteria during the birthing process.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of gonorrhea in men usually develop one to 14 days after infection. Pain or a burning sensation with urination occurs due to inflammation of the urethra, the tube through which urine and semen pass from the body. A pus-like discharge is often present at the opening of the urethra. Testicular pain and swelling are less common symptoms. Notably, some men do not experience any symptoms with gonorrhea, often leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Most women with gonorrhea have no symptoms. Those who develop symptoms may experience pain or burning with urination, light bleeding between periods or increased vaginal discharge. Women and men who contract gonorrhea in the throat may experience a persistent sore throat.
COMPLICATIONS
Without treatment, a woman with gonorrhea can develop pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID. Inflammation and scarring of the uterus, fallopian tubes or both can lead to permanent infertility. Similarly, men with gonorrhea that spreads to the testicular structures may become infertile. Men and women with gonorrhea can develop an infectious form of arthritis; women are affected more commonly than men. Babies that become infected with gonorrhea at birth commonly develop joint, blood and eye infections.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
Health care providers can detect gonorrhea with different types of laboratory tests. Because the infection can be asymptomatic, regular testing is important if you are sexually active. If you test positive, don't panic; gonorrhea is curable with antibiotic therapy. Your sexual partners will also need testing and treatment.
PREVENTION
Consistent and correct usage of latex condoms reduces the risk of contracting gonorrhea. People who abstain from intimate sexual contact are free of risk. If you are beginning a new sexual relationship, talk with your partner about recent gonorrhea and other STD testing.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Gonorrhea - CDC Fact Sheet; April 2011
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2009 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Surveillance, Gonorrhea; November 2010
- "Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, Sixth Edition"; Gerald L. Mandell, M.D., et al., Editors; 2004
