What Is Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a bacterial STD caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is developing antibiotic resistance, making treatment increasingly challenging.

Transmission

  • Vaginal, anal, or oral sex
  • Can infect genitals, rectum, and throat

Symptoms

  • Women: often no symptoms; discharge, burning, pelvic pain
  • Men: discharge, burning, testicular pain
  • Throat infection: sore throat (from oral sex)

Complications

  • PID and infertility
  • Epididymitis
  • Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) — life-threatening
  • Increased HIV transmission risk

Treatment

  • Ceftriaxone injection (500 mg)
  • Partner treatment essential
  • Re-test in 3 months
  • Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern
Source: CDC, American Sexual Health Association.

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