GONORRHEA

General Information

DEFINITION--An infectious disease of the reproductive organs that is sexually transmitted (venereal disease). Although readily treatable, this infection has reached epidemic levels in the USA. Symptoms usually develop within 2 days to 3 weeks of exposure.

> Males--

urethra.

• Females--urethra; reproductive system.
• Both sexes--rectum; throat; joints; eyes (sometimes).

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes and all ages--even young children--of persons who have sexual contact with infected persons. The peak incidence is between ages 20 and 30.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Burning urination.
• Thick green-yellow discharge from the penis or vagina.
• Little or no fever.
• Pain or tenderness with sexual intercourse (sometimes).
• Rectal discomfort and discharge (sometimes).
• Joint pain.
• Rash, especially on palms.
• Mild sore throat (sometimes). Females often have few or no symptoms. Males usually have more pronounced symptoms.

CAUSES--Infection from gonococcus bacteria that grow well on delicate, moist tissue. The bacteria is transmitted sexually, but some cases are of unknown origin. Sexual activity involving the rectum or mouth may transmit infection to those areas if either partner is infected.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Many sexual partners, whether heterosexual or homosexual; prostitution.
• Child sexual abuse.
• Infant who passes through the infected birth canal of the mother.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Avoid sexual partners whose health practices and status are uncertain.
• Use a latex condom during sexual intercourse.
• This condition must be reported to the local health department to prevent its spread. It sometimes occurs simultaneously with syphilis. Your cooperation is important, and your confidentiality will be maintained.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and exam by a doctor.
• Blood studies.
• Laboratory culture and microscopic analysis of the discharge from the reproductive organs, rectum or throat.
• Patients should be tested for other sexually transmitted diseases.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Doctor's treatment.
• Hospitalization for complications.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Gonococcal eye infection. This may cause blindness in children.
• Blood poisoning (gonococcal septicemia).
• Infectious arthritis.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease in females.
• Epididymitis.
• Endocarditis.
• Sexual impotence in men, if untreated (sometimes).
• Infertility in women.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Usually curable in 1 to 2 weeks with treatment.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Use separate linens and disposable eating utensils during treatment.
• Wash hands frequently--especially after urination and bowel movements.
• Don't touch eyes with hands.
• Inform all sexual contacts so they can seek treatment.
• See Resources for Additional Information.

MEDICATION--

• Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection.
• You may take non-prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen or aspirin, to reduce discomfort--but not in place of antibiotics. Home remedies or folk-medicine treatments are ineffective.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions, except don't resume sexual activity until a follow-up culture shows the infection is cured. Treatment failures and resistance to antibiotics can occur.

DIET--No special diet. Reduce consumption of caffeine and alcohol during treatment. These irritate the urethra.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of gonorrhea.
• You develop chills, fever, abdominal pain, swelling of the testicles, genital sores or joint pain--either before or during treatment.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop.
• If you learn that a sex partner has been infected.