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Gonorrhea
You have received your lab results and they indicate that you have tested positive for Gonorrhea. Gonorrhea is the second most common STD in the United States. Neisseria gonorrhoeae has rapid growth in moist warm areas of the body. That is why this infection is commonly found in places such as the cervix, urethra, rectum, mouth, throat, or eyes.
Facts about Gonorrhea
- According to the CDC, it is estimated that more than 700,000 new infections occur each year in the United States.
- Approximately 75 percent of cases are found in people between the ages of 15 to 29.
- Gonorrhea is contracted through oral, vaginal, and anal sex.
- It is estimated that 50 percent of women show no symptoms after being infected. However, women who develop symptoms will do so within 10 days of infection. Sometimes symptoms can be mistaken for vaginal or bladder infections.
- A person with Gonorrhea is contagious until their treatment is successfully completed.
Complications
Untreated Gonorrhea can cause many complications.
- Complications in untreated males and females
- Disseminated Gonococcal Infection (DGI) occurs when the infection has spread to sites such as the heart, joints, blood, or skin.
- When in the joints, DGI is also known as gonococcal arthritis.
- If the infection travels to the eyes then there is a high risk of getting conjunctivitis.
- Newborns that have been infected show symptoms like pneumonia and conjunctivitis.
- Complications in untreated females
- Chronic menstrual issues
- Cystitis or inflammation of the bladder
- Mucopurulent cervicitis: infection of the cervix resulting in yellowish discharge
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): PID can result in infertility
- Miscarriage
- Postpartum endometritis: inflammation of the uterus lining after childbirth
- Studies indicate that women with gonorrhea have higher risk of contracting AIDS if exposed to the virus.
- Complications in untreated males
- Urethral scarring
- Infertility
- Epididymitis: inflammation of the epididymis
- Prostatitis: inflammation of the prostate
- Recent studies indicated that men with gonorrhea have higher risk of getting prostate cancer.
Treatments
Gonorrhea is commonly treated by prescribing antibiotics. Doctors usually prescribe one of the following:
- Cefixime
- Ceftriaxone
- Ciprofloxacin
- Ofloxacin
- Levofloxacin
It is very common for patients that test positive for Gonorrhea to also test positive for Chlamydia. Therefore, your doctor may prescribe a combination of antibiotics to cure both infections.
It is true that a majority of Gonorrhea cases can be cured with antibiotics. However, in the United States there is an increase of drug-resistant Gonorrhea and successful treatment is becoming increasingly difficult.
As a preventative measure infants are given antibacterial antibiotics immediately after birth to prevent possible infections.
Research
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) continues to support a program of research on Gonorrhea. These efforts will help further improvements in diagnosis and treatment of Gonorrhea. The research may eventually lead to a development of a vaccine. The most important area of the Gonorrhea research is with the drug resistant strains.
What to tell your partner?
It is important to remember that you or your partner may have had Gonorrhea for years. It is not the time to blame anyone for the situation. Even though it might not be easy to address this issue with your partner it is very important that you do so for their health and your own. Your partner should be informed as soon as possible so that they may get tested and treated. If you don't tell your partner and they are infected this can cause their body harm in the long run. You are also putting yourself at risk to be re-infected after getting treated. Make sure that you and your partner refrain from sexual activity until both of your courses of treatment are completed.
How do you know that you are cured?
If you have followed your health care professionals recommendation for treatment and have stayed away from the risk of being re-infected then you should be cured. It is a good idea to get retested to insure that you are free of infection.(no sooner then 3 weeks after treatment)
Keeping Track of your Test Results and your Treatment Plan
- Keep a record book containing dates of your tests, the results and the follow up steps. As information is passed between you and your doctor remember to note what was discussed and the date and note when repeat tests are recommended and date and time they get scheduled. Keep this information organized in one place along with other test information such as breast exams.
- If you don't hear back from your doctor then take the time to call and receive your test results. You can also request copies of the actual lab reports. Make sure to ask the doctor or nurse any questions that you may have regarding your test results.
- All the information that you gather and organize will help you formulate any questions or concerns you would like to share with your healthcare provider. Keep this list along with the other records that you have been keeping.
- Getting organized and informed helps you stay in some control of your situation and the paths you take. Your records will also be helpful should you have to seek aid from another healthcare provider.
Important questions to ask your physician
- What do the results mean?
- What are my follow-up options?
- Which option would you suggest and why?
- Are there any side effects or risks to the options I am considering?
- What steps can I take to prevent from getting re-infected?
- When is it recommended that I go for a repeat Gonorrhea test?
Additional Resources
This report is intended for patient education and information only. It does not constitute advice, nor should it be taken to suggest or replace professional medical care from your physician. Your treatment options may vary, depending upon medical history and current condition. Only your physician and you can determine your best option.
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