Gonorrhea Arkansas Department of Health

Gonorrhea

What is gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) 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.

Signs and Symptoms

May be mild or absent, especially in women
Usually begin 2-7 days after exposure

For women:

Abnormal vaginal bleeding, discharge or itching
Burning or pain during urination or bowel movement
More pain than usual during periods
Cramps and pain in lower abdomen
Anal discomfort, itching or discharge

For men:

Thick, white or yellow discharge (pus) from penis
Burning or pain during urination or bowel movement
Anal discomfort, itching or discharge

Transmission

Gonorrhea is spread by:

Vaginal sex
Oral sex
Anal sex
Infected mother to newborn

Complications

If left untreated, gonorrhea can:

Spread to sex partners
Lead to pelvic inflammatory disease
Lead to ectopic (tubal) pregnancy
Lead to infertility in men and women
Cause infection in the joints
Make it easier to transmit or acquire HIV during sex

During pregnancy, gonorrhea infection:

May be passed to a newborn during childbirth
May cause serious eye infection in newborn
May infect other organs

Prevention

The surest way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases is to abstain from sexual contact or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.
Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission only when the infected areas are covered or protected by the condom.
Use a new latex condom properly for any sexual contact.
Limit the number of sex partners.
Notify sex partners immediately if infected.
Make sure partners are tested and treated.

Testing and Treatment

Get a test from a medical provider if the infection is suspected.

Gonorrhea can be cured using medication prescribed by a medical provider.

Partners should be treated at the same time.

NOTE: A person can be re-infected after treatment.

STD Treatment Guidelines: CDC

Guidelines for treatment of persons who have or are at risk for sexually transmitted diseases.

Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) is the practice of treating sex partners of persons with STDs in the absence of medical evaluation or prevention counseling. EPT is implemented through the delivery of or prescription for therapy by the case patient to their partners. Contact your local health department for more information.

Office	Address	Phone	Fax
STD Prevention	4815 W. Markham St., Slot 33 Little Rock, AR 72205	501-661-2408	501-661-2082

Arkansas Department of Health

Gonorrhea

Diseases & Conditions