Gonorrhea - a sexually transmitted infection

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that infects both men and women. It is usually spread when an infected person has vaginal, oral or anal sex without a condom.
It can also infect the eyes of babies who are born when the mom has gonorrhea.
How do I know if I have it?
Many women and men will have NO signs or symptoms of this infection.
Women May Notice
- a new or different discharge from the vagina,
- burning when passing urine,
- sore throat,
- pain during sex,
- unusual vaginal bleeding, or
- lower abdominal pain.
Men May Notice
- discharge from the penis,
- burning when passing urine,
- sore throat, or
- pain in the testicles.
WHAT can it do to me?
In women, untreated gonorrhea may cause:
- pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which causes lower abdominal pain, fever and aches, and can lead to…
- tubal pregnancy, or the inability to have children at all.
These conditions can be severe enough to result in hospitalization.
In men, untreated gonorrhea may cause:
- pain or swelling of the testicles,
- difficulty getting a partner pregnant.
Can it be treated? YES
All people who have gonorrhea or have sex with a person who has it should be treated with a SINGLE dose of an antibiotic. This will usually CURE the infection, especially if BOTH partners are treated at the same time. You will also be given pills for another STI called chlamydia, which people may have at the same time as gonorrhea.
Treatment is free for both you and your partner. After treatment, you should not
have sex for five to nine days. If you do have sex during this period, BE SURE TO USE A CONDOM.
Can I get it more than once? YES
You need to go to your doctor or health care practitioner to be treated EVERY TIME you come in contact with it.
REMEMBER…
Using a latex condom EVERY TIME you have sex can protect you from gonorrhea and other STIs, including AIDS.

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