Cause
Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can affect males and females of all ages and is most common among ages 15-24.
Transmission
Gonorrhea spreads by having vaginal, anal, and oral sex without protective barriers, such as condoms and can be spread through sharing of insertive sex toys or objects, if not properly cleaned. It can also spread from pregnant persons to their newborns during childbirth.
Symptoms
Gonorrhea is often asymptomatic, but it can cause health problems whether symptoms are present or not. Rectal infections may cause symptoms such as discharge, anal itching, soreness, bleeding, or painful bowel movements. Other symptoms vary for females and males:
Females
- Painful or burning sensation during urination
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Vaginal bleeding between periods
Males
- Burning sensation during urination
- White, yellow, or green discharge from the penis
- Painful or swollen testicles
Risk Factors
Sexually active individuals who have vaginal, anal, or oral sex without condoms or have a sexual partner with gonorrhea are at risk of getting the infection.
If you are sexually active, talk to a healthcare provider about being tested for gonorrhea and other STIs.
Prevention
The only way to completely avoid gonorrhea and other STIs is by not having vaginal, anal, or oral sex. If you are sexually active, you can prevent gonorrhea by:
- Being in a long-term monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative for gonorrhea
- Using condoms every time you have sex
If you are pregnant, talk to a healthcare provider about the appropriate examinations, testing, and treatment during pregnancy. Treating gonorrhea as soon as possible helps prevent transmitting the infection to your newborn during birth.
If You’re Exposed
If you’re exposed to gonorrhea, talk to a healthcare provider or your local health department as soon as possible about being tested.
Inform all recent and current sexual partners about your exposure so they can be tested as well. This is important to prevent the spread of gonorrhea.
Treatment
The CDC recommends various treatments based on your age and weight:
Adolescents and adults
Ceftriaxone 500 mg* IM in a single dose for persons weighing <150 kg
Ceftriaxone 1 g* IM in a single dose for persons weighing ≥ 150 kg
Newborns
Erythromycin 0.5% ophthalmic ointment in each eye in a single application at birth
Infants and children with uncomplicated gonococcal vulvovaginitis, cervicitis, urethritis, pharyngitis, or proctitis
Ceftriaxone 25–50 mg/kg body weight IV or IM in a single dose, not to exceed 250 mg IM for infants and children weighing ≤45 kg
Use adult treatment regimen for children weighing >45 kg
Infants and children with bacteremia or arthritis
Ceftriaxone 50 mg/kg body weight (maximum dose: 2 g) IM or IV in a single dose daily every 24 hours for 7 days for children weighing ≤45 kg
Ceftriaxone 1 g IM or IV in a single dose daily every 24 hours for 7 days for children weighing >45 kg
Gonorrhea can be cured with treatment. It is important to take all the medicine your healthcare provider gives you to cure your infection. Do not share gonorrhea medication with anyone. Although treatment will cure the infection, it will not reverse any permanent damage caused. You can get gonorrhea even if you have had it in the past.
Wait 7 days after finishing all medicine before having sex. You should not have sex until you and your sexual partner(s) have all completed treatment.
Untreated gonorrhea causes long-term damage and increases your risk of contracting and spreading HIV. In females, untreated gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and cause long-term damage to the reproductive system. Some complications of PID include:
- Formation of scar tissue that blocks fallopian tubes
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Infertility
- Long-term pelvic and abdominal pain
In rare cases, untreated gonorrhea can cause infertility in males.
Conclusion
Gonorrhea is a common STI. Because it is often asymptomatic, it’s important to be tested regularly if you are sexually active. If you test positive, follow your healthcare provider’s treatment instructions to protect your health and the health of others. Refer to the links in the Resources section to learn more.
Reporting
For information on how to report a disease click here. For any questions, please contact the appropriate health authority by phone or review the website for additional information.
Carson City, Douglas and Lyon Counties
Carson City Health & Human Services (CCHHS)
(775) 887-2190
Website
Churchill, Mineral, Eureka and Pershing Counties
Central Nevada Health District (CNHD)
(775) 866-7535
Website
Clark County
Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD)
(702) 759-1300
Website
Washoe County
Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH)
(775) 328-2447
Website
All Other Counties
Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH)
(775) 400-0333
Website