How common is it?
Gonorrhea
is a very common infectious disease. CDC estimates that more than 700,000 persons in the U.S. get new gonorrheal infections each year. Only about half of these infections are reported to CDC. In 2006, 358,366 cases of gonorrhea were reported to CDC.
Any sexually active person can be infected with gonorrhea. In the United States, the highest reported rates of infection are among sexually active teenagers, young adults, and African Americans. What causes gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea
is caused by
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
, a bacterium that can grow and multiply easily in the warm, moist areas of the urethra (urine canal, the tube in your penis that your urine comes out of) in men. The bacterium can also grow in the mouth, throat, eyes, and anus.
What are the symptoms of gonorrhea?
Symptoms can start around two to seven days after being infected. Symptoms can take as long as 30 days to appear. But there may be no symptoms, especially with gonorrhea of the throat or anus.
Gonorrhea in the penis: * can cause a yellow/greenish discharge (or drip from the penis) * may cause swollen or tender testicles * might feel like you need to urinate, but can't or only a little * can cause burning or pain when urinating (peeing) Gonorrhea in the anus: * there may be discharge, anal itching, soreness, bleeding, or painful bowel movements, but usually you won't notice symptoms. In the throat it can sometimes cause a sore throat. 
Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium, 'Neisseria gonorrhoeae'
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How is gonorrhea passed on?
Through unprotected:
* Anal sex: topping or bottoming * Oral sex: sucking or being sucked * Rimming (Oral-anal sex) Ejaculation (coming) does not have to occur for gonorrhea to be transmitted or acquired. Gonorrhea can be spread by getting the bacteria on your fingers, then touching other parts of your own body.
How is gonorrhea prevented?
Using a condom correctly greatly reduces the risk of gonorrhea being picked up or passed on since gonorrhea is passed by sexual fluids.
The surest way to prevent gonorrhea is to abstain from sexual contact or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with only one sex partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected. Avoiding alcohol and drug use may also help prevent transmission of gonorrhea because these activities may lead to risky sexual behavior. It is also important that you have good communication with your sex partners. **REMEMBER: Using a condom correctly greatly reduces the risk of gonorrhea being picked up or passed on since gonorrhea is spread by sexual fluids. How is gonorrhea treated?
It is diagnosed by testing a sample of your urine or taking a swab from the infected area.
You'll be given antibiotics to take. Several antibiotics can successfully cure gonorrhea in adolescents and adults. Untreated gonorrhea can cause serious damage to your testicles (balls) (also known as epididymitis), arthritis and prostatitis (long-term inflammation inside the anus). No-one is immune to gonorrhea. If you've had it before, you can get it again. |
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Tests:
Find places where you can get free HIV/STD testing in Wake County.
Condoms: Find places where you can get free condoms in Wake County.
For general information about Wake County’s HIV/STD program and testing, please call 919-250-3950.
Do you have questions about HIV/STDs that you want answered? E-mail questions to: std.program@wearemembersofthiscommunity.org
To see all other resources in Wake County, North Carolina & the United States, CLICK HERE to return to our resources and links page.
Condoms: Find places where you can get free condoms in Wake County.
For general information about Wake County’s HIV/STD program and testing, please call 919-250-3950.
Do you have questions about HIV/STDs that you want answered? E-mail questions to: std.program@wearemembersofthiscommunity.org
To see all other resources in Wake County, North Carolina & the United States, CLICK HERE to return to our resources and links page.
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This education awareness project is sponsored by the
LGBT Center of Raleigh . Created and designed by Luke Keeler . |
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