Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection spread through sexual contact (sexually transmitted infection, or STI). It is found most often in the genital area but it can also infect other areas of the body, such as the rectum or throat. While some people who have gonorrhea develop symptoms within a few days after infection, some people have no symptoms. Symptoms of gonorrhea include abnormal bleeding, pain or burning during urination, or a thick discharge from the vagina or penis.
Antibiotics can cure gonorrhea. Both sex partners need to be treated to keep from passing the infection back and forth.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you prevent it?
Here are some ways to help prevent STIs.
Limit your sex partners. Sex with one partner who has sex only with you can reduce your risk of getting an STI.
Talk with your partner or partners about STIs before you have sex. Find out if they are at risk for an STI. Remember that it's possible to have an STI and not know it.
Wait to have sex with new partners until you've each been tested.
Don't have sex if you have symptoms of an infection or if you are being treated for an STI.
Use a condom every time you have sex. Condoms are the only form of birth control that also helps prevent STIs.
If you had sex without a condom, ask your doctor if taking a preventive medicine is recommended. It may help prevent certain STIs if it's taken within 24 to 72 hours after unprotected sex.
Don't share sex toys. But if you do share them, use a condom and clean the sex toys between each use.
Vaccines are available for some STIs, such as HPV. Ask your doctor for more information.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
You have sudden, severe pain in your belly or pelvis.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
You have new belly or pelvic pain.
You have unusual vaginal bleeding.
You have a fever.
You have a discharge from the vagina or penis.
You have new or increased burning or pain with urination, or you cannot urinate.
You have pain, swelling, or tenderness in the scrotum.
You have joint pain.
You have pus coming from your eyes.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
You think you may have been exposed to another STI.
Your symptoms get worse or have not improved within 1 week after starting treatment.
You have any new symptoms, such as sores, bumps, rashes, blisters, or warts in the genital or anal area.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.
Sign out
