Gonorrhea Health Video

Video Transcript

DR. MEIKE D. LANE: Hi, I'm Dr. Meike Lane and I work for Cascadia Women's Clinic in Vancouver, Washington. Today, I want to speak to you in regards to Gonorrhea. This is a bacterial disease that is sexually transmitted. The highest incident occurs in those between the ages of 20 and 24. Transmission rates are unequal between the sexes. Male to female transmission rate is 80% and the transmission rate from females to males is approximately 20%. This can be prevented with consistent condom use. It can infect the cervix, urethra, fallopian tubes, mouth and anus. If left untreated, this infection could possibly become systemic and affect other organ systems. Infertility can occurred due to a history of infection with Gonorrhea. Risk factors include unprotected sex, multiple sex partners, first sex act at an early age, minority ethnic groups and drug use. Signs of infection can include none at all. Approximately 5% of those infected do not exhibit any signs or symptoms. Other signs to watch for are abnormal vaginal bleeding, abnormal vaginal discharge, dysuria and low back pain. Diagnosis can be confirmed with cultures performed by your healthcare provider. Once diagnosed, you will need to be treated with antibiotic. Your partner or partners will need to be informed and treated as well. Do not engage in any sexual activity until after both you and your partner have been treated. Please contact your healthcare provider for more information.