What is Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is sexual transmitted infection caused by the bacteria known as Neisseria. It usually affects the genital area, although the throat and the anus may also be involved. Gonorrhea affects both men and women and is easily transmitted during intercourse. It may also be transmitted during oral or anal sex.

What are the signs?

Signs of gonorrhea may go unnoticed for most people but for some men may experience:

v Smelly discharge

v Swollen testicles

And women may experience:

· Vaginal discharge

· Pain when urinating

What are the symptoms?

Due to the lack of specific symptoms, the symptoms of gonorrhea can go unnoticed to 12 months or more.

How is gonorrhea treated?

Treatment of gonorrhea includes a dose of antibiotics although some strains of gonorrhea or gonorrhea transmitted overseas can be cured with penicillin or other forms of antibiotics.

What are the long term effects if untreated?

If left untreated gonorrhea can lead to infertility for both men and women. Other long term effects include:

For women

· HIV’s

· Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

PID Symptoms

Ø Lower abdominal pain and tenderness

Ø Deep pain during sexual intercourse

Ø Heavy and painful periods

Ø Fever

For Men

· Epididymitis

· HIV’s

Interesting Facts

v It affects all ages and races, but young adults are at a higher risk.

v People with gonorrhea can more easily contract HIV, the virus that causes AIDS

v Women are more likely to contract the disease than men.

	Erstellt von dee_98 vor mehr als 10 Jahre

Year 9 PDHPE Notiz am STI revision, erstellt von dee_98 am 04/11/2013.