ted gonorrhea can increase a person’s risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS”
— CDC.GOV
How Do I Know If I Have Gonorrhea?
The only way to verify you have gonorrhea is through regular STD screening. Many men who have contracted gonorrhea do not experience symptoms and pass the virus through unprotected sexual contact.
Similarly, it is common among women with gonorrhea to exhibit little or no symptoms. When mild symptoms do occur, they can be mistaken for a UTI or a similar vaginal infection. If left untreated in women, gonorrhea greatly increases the risk of infertility.
If gonorrhea is not cleared from the body, health complications arise as the infection can spread to the heart, skin and joints.
Common Symptoms of Gonorrhea:
In Men
- Burning during urination
- Discharge from the penis, typically white, yellow or green
- Swelling and pain in the testicles
In women
- Burning or discomfort while urinating
- Off-cycle vaginal bleeding (between periods)
- A noticeable change in the style of vaginal discharge
Rectal infections do not always produce symptoms, however, infected men and women may notice:
- Anal discharge
- Rectal itching
- Pain or Soreness
- Painful and/or bloody bowel movements.
What Happens If Gonorrhea Is Not Treated?
Leaving gonorrhea untreated poses major health risks for men and women. It is essential to seek treatment for active infections and to screen yourself STIs and STDs every few months if sexually active.
Of the most extensive damage gonorrhea can have, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is perhaps the most significant. Once the infection spreads to the uterus or fallopian tubes, a woman’s ability to reproduce can be greatly affected. This is true for individuals who show symptoms and for those who do not—routine lab screening is the most effective way to screen for lingering signs of infection (even if medication is taken).
Pelvic pain is a sign that abscesses may have developed internally—if you are experiencing abdominal pain, PID is likely and may continue to spread to the fallopian tubes increasing the risk of infertility and ectopic pregnancy.
There is less risk of infertility in men, though in certain untreated cases, it may be brought on by epididymitis.
Gonorrhea, like any infection, can spread to other parts of the body. When it gets into the blood, it can lead to disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI). Signs og DGI include tenosynovitis, dermatitis and arthritis. Once progressed, DGI can be life threatening.
How Do I Know If I Have Gonorrhea?
Unfortunately, many women and men with gonorrhea are asymptomatic and do not display significant symptoms or even recognize they are carriers. If you experience any of the following symptoms, even slightly, it is recommended you seek immediate medical attention:
How Do I Get Rid Of Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea must be treated with prescription antibiotics. To ensure the infection is safely cleared from your system and avoid recurrence, always take the full course of antibiotics.
Gonorrhea may be treated with doctor-prescribed and FDA-approved antibiotic, Cefixime
Daily Probiotics may be taken by anyone on antibiotics for gonorrhea. Lactobacillus acidophilus can help repopulate your gut with healthy bacteria.
