BROWARD COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

 

  HOT TOPICS

 

 

The Facts on Gonorrhea

 

What is gonorrhea?  Gonorrhea is an infection caused by the gonococcus bacterium which is transmitted during vaginal, rectal or oral intercourse with an infected partner.  This bacterium grows and multiplies quickly in dark, warm, moist areas of the body.

 

Who gets gonorrhea?  Men and women, both young and old, who are sexually active and engage in unprotected sex, are at risk of becoming infected if they have sex with an infected partner.

 

How is the disease spread?  Gonorrhea is spread to a man or woman through unprotected sexual activity.  Newborns may also become infected during delivery by an infected mother, causing neonatal eye infection.

Text Box: Sexually active women under 25 years of age should be tested for gonorrhea at least two times per year.                                                                       

What are the symptoms?  Men usually have a penile discharge and a burning sensation upon urination.  Most women, however, are asymptomatic (no symptoms) until the disease progresses to a more advanced stage.  They may suffer from severe abdominal pain, fever, or PID (pelvic inflammatory disease).

 

When do symptoms appear?  Males become symptomatic within 3 to 5 days of infection.  Women may have no symptoms or have a vaginal discharge.  The onset of symptoms usually occurs several weeks or months after infection.

 

How is gonorrhea diagnosed?  Gonorrhea may be diagnosed by two methods, gram stain or culture.  Specimens are stained and examined under a microscope for immediate diagnosis.  Cultures are more accurate and are preferable for diagnosis in females.

 

What is the treatment?  Frequently, gonorrhea infection is accompanied by chlamydial infection; therefore, treatment should be given for both diseases simultaneously.  Treatment consists of both an antibiotic injection and oral antibiotics for one week.

 

How can gonorrhea be prevented?  All sexually active individuals having more than one sexual partner, especially women under 25 years of age, should be tested for gonorrhea infection regularly.  Consistent condom use may help reduce the transmission of gonorrhea.

 

For further information, contact the Broward County Health Department at 954/788-6095.

 

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