Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can infect anyone and is transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner.
Symptoms of Gonorrhea
- For people with penises, symptoms may include painful urination, discharge from the penis, and swollen testicles.
- People with vaginas may experience painful urination, increased vaginal discharge, and vaginal bleeding between periods.
- In some cases, gonorrhea may not cause any symptoms, making it important to get tested regularly, especially after engaging in unprotected sex.
Complications of Gonorrhea
- If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious health problems, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain.
- Untreated gonorrhea can also cause epididymitis, a painful condition affecting the tubes attached to the testicles, and potentially lead to infertility.
Treatment
- Gonorrhea can usually be treated with antibiotics. It's important to complete the full course of medication prescribed by a healthcare provider to ensure the infection is fully cleared.
- Sexual partners should also be tested and treated to prevent reinfection and further spread of the infection.
Preventing Gonorrhea
- The best way to prevent gonorrhea is to practice safe sex, including consistent and correct condom use.
- Getting tested regularly for STIs, especially if you have multiple sexual partners or engage in unprotected sex, is crucial for early detection and treatment.
If you suspect you may have gonorrhea or have been exposed to it, seek medical attention promptly for testing and treatment.
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