Arkansas Department of Health

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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 newborn during childbirth
• May cause serious eye infection in newborn
• May infect other organs

Prevention

• Avoiding vaginal, oral or anal sex is the best way to prevent STDs.
• Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission of gonorrhea.
• Always use latex condoms during vaginal and anal sex.
• Use a latex condom for oral sex on a penis.
• Use a latex barrier for oral sex on a vagina or anus.
• Limit the number of sex partners.
• Notify sex partners immediately if infected.
• Make sure partners are tested and treated at same time to prevent re-infection.

Testing and Treatment

Get a test from a medical provider if 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