Gonorrhea

gonorrheaGonorrhea (a.k.a. the Clap) is a common sexually transmitted bacterial infection of the vagina, penis, anus or throat. Many people who get Gonorrhea get Chlamydia at the same time.

Learn More

For detailed information on each infection, check of the Center for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov/std/. You can also ask us an anonymous question right on our website. If you are experiencing symptoms of an STI, think you’ve been exposed to an STI, or want to talk to a professional, call Teen Clinic to make an appointment with a qualified health care provider.

Transmission

Gonorrhea is spread through vaginal fluids and semen. People get Gonorrhea through vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom or dental dam.

Symptoms & Complications

Most people don’t have any symptoms. About one quarter of men and one in three women do not experience symptoms. For people who do get symptoms, it can include:

  • painful urination
  • painful ejaculation
  • pelvic pain
  • unusual discharge

Like all bacteria, Gonorrhea will multiply is left untreated. If an infected person does not get tested or treated, the infection can spread in their bodies causing irreversible damage to their reproductive organs, and can lead to infertility. Gonorrhea will get worse if untreated even if a person never experiences symptoms.

Testing

 If you are thinking about becoming sexually active or already are, it’s important to get tested. Because Gonorrhea does not always show symptoms, it can be really difficult to know when someone is infected. Teen Clinic tests for Gonorrhea by collecting cells from the vaginal wall or collecting urine from guys and girls – it’s that simple! Results are available within a few days.

Treatment

Gonorrhea is curable and treatable with antibiotics. It’s important to finish the entire course of medication, even if symptoms go away.

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