Gonorrhea

What is it?

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can infect both men and women. It can cause infections in the genitals, rectum, and throat. It is a very common infection, especially among young people ages 15-24 years. There are an estimated 678,000 new cases of gonorrhea in the United States, and less than half of them are reported to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to the CDC 2020 STD Surveillance Report, Louisiana ranks #2 for gonorrhea.

There are rising concerns for the cure of gonorrhea as research has indicated gonorrhea is becoming resistant to antibiotics. We are down to 1 recommended effective class of antibiotics to treat it. This is alarming!

What to watch for:

  • Symptoms show up 10 or more days after infection.
  • Thick yellow or greenish discharge from genitals or anus
  • Bleeding between periods ( for women)
  • Painful urination or bowel movement
  • Painful or swollen testicles
  • Cramps and pain in lower abdomen (women)

How do you get it?

Spread during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has gonorrhea.

What happens if you don’t get treated?

  • You can give gonorrhea to your sex partner(s).
  • Can lead to more serious infection. Reproductive organs can be damaged.
  • Women and possibly men may no longer be able to have children.
  • A mother with gonorrhea can give it to her baby during childbirth.
  • Can cause heart trouble, skin disease, arthritis and blindness.

Can it be cured?

Yes.

Is there a vaccination?

No.