Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection that is acquired through vaginal, oral and anal sex. Almost 80% of those infected are between the ages of 15-29 years old.
Symptoms of gonorrhea may occur 3-5 days after exposure to an infected sexual partner. However, some infected individuals may not experience any symptoms at all. Some of the common signs and symptoms among infected women can include: increased vaginal discharge, dull pelvic pain, feelings of “heaviness” in the pelvic area, possible pain with urination or intercourse, and possibly bleeding in between periods. It is possible that these symptoms may also be more severe with the onset of the menstrual cycle. Additionally, gonorrhea can be transmitted through oral sex, which may result in throat infections. Again, infected individuals may not have any noticeable symptoms. Men may also notice some pain with urination as well as discharge from the urethra.
Complications associated with untreated gonorrhea can include pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and altered fertility. Specifically in women, an untreated infection may spread to the fallopian tubes, resulting in tubal scarring infertility, and a higher incidence of ectopic pregnancies.
Screening and treatment for gonorrhea can easily be obtained at Women’s Health. Treatment of gonorrhea typically includes oral antibiotics. It is important that all sexual partners be treated. Male partners are screened and treated on the General Medical side of Student Health.
For more information go to: www.cdc.gov