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What is
gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection. It
is caused by a bacterium. Gonorrhea can cause serious
health problems. It has to be treated. Gonorrhea
can infect the penis, rectum, throat, or cervix.
How do you get gonorrhea?
You can get gonorrhea if you have oral sex, vaginal
sex, or anal sex with a person who already has the
infection. A pregnant woman can also pass it on
to her baby while she is giving birth.
How can you tell if you have gonorrhea?
Many people who have gonorrhea without even knowing
that you have it.
A woman who has gonorrhea might notice:
A strange discharge from her vagina
An itchy, red, or swollen vagina
Pain when she urinates
Pain during vaginal intercourse
A man who has gonorrhea might notice:
Pain when he urinates
Discharge from his penis that is thick, white and
yellow
Gonorrhea can lead to serious health problems if
it isn’t treated. Both men and women may become
infertile, and women may experience an ectopic pregnancy
(when an egg grows in side the uterus in the wrong
place).
How do you get tested for gonorrhea?
In women, a swab is taken of the cervix. In men,
a swab is taken of the urethra.
How is gonorrhea treated?
It can be cured with antibiotics. It is important
to tell your sexual partner(s) that you have gonorrhea.
They also need to be treated. A week after finishing
the antibiotics, a follow-up test should be done.
Women should have an additional follow-up test after
their next period. If the test is negative, you
no longer have gonorrhea, and cannot pass it on
to your partners.
How can I reduce the risk?
A latex condom or barrier reduces the risk of transmitting
gonorrhea. |
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