The time from exposure to symptoms is usually between two and 14 days, with most symptoms appearing between four and six days after infection, if they appear at all. Gonorrhea infections of mucosal membranes can cause swelling, itching, pain, and the formation of pus. The current name was first used by the Greek physician Galen before 200 AD who referred to it as 'an unwanted discharge of semen'. Descriptions of the disease date back to before the Common Era within the Old Testament. Infections in women most commonly occur when they are young adults. An estimated 33 to 106 million new cases occur each year, out of the 498 million new cases of curable STI – which also includes syphilis, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis. Gonorrhea affects about 0.8% of women and 0.6% of men. Sexual partners from the last two months should also be treated. Retesting is recommended three months after treatment. Resistance has developed to many previously used antibiotics and higher doses of ceftriaxone are occasionally required. Treatment is usually with ceftriaxone by injection and azithromycin by mouth. Gonorrhea can be prevented with the use of condoms, having sex with only one person who is uninfected, and by not having sex. Testing all women who are sexually active and less than 25 years of age each year as well as those with new sexual partners is recommended the same recommendation applies in men who have sex with men (MSM). Diagnosis is by testing the urine, urethra in males, or cervix in females. It can also spread from a mother to a child during birth. This includes oral, anal, and vaginal sex. Gonorrhea is spread through sexual contact with an infected person. If untreated, gonorrhea can spread to joints or heart valves. Many of those infected, however, have no symptoms. Complications in women include pelvic inflammatory disease and in men include inflammation of the epididymis.

Infected women may experience burning with urination, vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding between periods, or pelvic pain. Infected men may experience pain or burning with urination, discharge from the penis, or testicular pain. Infection may involve the genitals, mouth, or rectum. Gonorrhea, colloquially known as the clap, is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Testing the urine, urethra in males, or cervix in females Ĭondoms, having sex with only one person who is uninfected, not having sex Ĭeftriaxone by injection and azithromycin by mouth Neisseria gonorrhoeae typically sexually transmitted Pelvic inflammatory disease, inflammation of the epididymis, septic arthritis, endocarditis Alert your sex partners that you're having signs and symptoms so that they can arrange to see their doctors for testing.None, burning with urination, vaginal discharge, discharge from the penis, pelvic pain, testicular pain Have you been exposed to sexually transmitted infections?Ībstain from sex until you see your doctor.Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?.Questions your doctor is likely to ask you include: Are there brochures or other printed material that I can have? What websites do you recommend?ĭon't hesitate to ask other questions.What gonorrhea complications should I be alert for?.How can I prevent gonorrhea in the future?.How long should I wait before resuming sexual activity?.Should my partner be tested for gonorrhea?.Should I be tested for other sexually transmitted infections?.All medications, vitamins or other supplements you take, including dosesįor gonorrhea, questions to ask your doctor include:.Your symptoms, if you have any, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment, and when they began.When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment. You'll likely see your family doctor or a general practitioner. Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.

Gonorrhea symptoms