Gonorrhea

What is it?
Gonorrhea is a bacterium that causes genital infections and other infections. It is the second most common reportable bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the U.S.

Who gets it?
Both men and women, about 700,000 Americans become infected each year. The highest reported rates of infection are among sexually active teenagers,young adults, and African Americans.

Am I at risk?
If you are having vaginal, oral, or anal sex you are at risk. Condoms only reduce the risk by approximately 50%. And that is only if a condom is used 100% of the time.

How will I know if I am infected?
The symptoms of gonorrhea infection vary depending on the part of the body that is infected and usually begin within 2 and 5 days after infection occurs. In women, symptoms are often mild, but most women who are infected may have no symptoms at all. Even when a woman has symptoms they can be so non-specific as to be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection. Initial symptoms include a painful or burning sensation, when urinating, increased vaginal discharge or vaginal bleeding between periods. while in men, pain and swelling around the testicles may occur. Oral and rectal infections also occur and produce irritation, pain, discharge and other symptoms in the affected area. Some individuals with oral or rectal infections may not experience symptoms and may not be aware of their infection.

What should I do if I am sexually active?
Get checked now. Gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotics. But if you don’t know you are infected, you won’t be treated. If treatment is delayed it can cause sterility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and can increase risk of HIV infection two to five times.

What can I do to avoid being infected?
Wait for sex. Put your body first. If you are already sexually active…Get checked. And next time choose your destiny wisely!

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