About Gonorrhea

On this page:
Signs and Symptoms
Transmission
Complications
Prevention
Testing and Treatment
For more Information

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.
• Condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission of gonorrhea.
• Always use condoms during vaginal and anal sex.
• Use a condom for oral sex on a penis.
• Use a barrier (dental dam or condom cut in half) 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.
• CDC Condom Locator
  Search by zip code to find free or low-cost condoms near you.

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.
• STD Testing
  Find free or low-cost testing near you.

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

For more Information

• STD Basics
  Signs and symptoms, transmission, complications, prevention and treatment for STDs.
• What You and Your Partner Should Know about Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
  Information for you and your partner after being diagnosed with chlamydia and/or gonorrhea.
• Just Diagnosed? Next Steps After Testing Positive for Gonorrhea or Chlamydia (CDC)
  If you’ve just found out that you have gonorrhea or chlamydia, you may be trying to figure out what to do next.
• For People who Have Been Sexually Assaulted: Information About STDs
  For those who may have been sexually assaulted, this brochure provides guidelines on being tested for HIV and other STDs.
• STD/HIV Partner Services Program
  The Partner Services Program offers people who have been diagnosed with HIV or an STD free medical, prevention, and other services, including help with partner notification.
• Minnesota Family Planning and STD Hotline
  1-800-783-2287 Voice/TTY; 651-645-9360 (Metro)