Safe Sex
- 3 min read
Gonorrhea: How To Spot & Prevent This Common STI
Sex can be fun. Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections? Not so much.
Gonorrhea: What It Is And What You Can Do About It
Gonorrhea is one of the most common sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) in the world. It can affect the cervix, uterus and fallopian tubes in women, and the urethra as well as the membranes of the mouth, throat, eyes and rectum in both men and women.
Safe sex can help prevent the spread of gonorrhea and it can be cured with the right medical treatment – but permanent damage cannot be undone.
How Can You Prevent It?
Safe sex can lead to great sex! Using condoms correctly and consistently every time you have sex can help prevent the spread of gonorrhea, and it is safest to have sex with someone who has been tested for STBBIs and has negative results.
How Does It Affect You?
Most men who have gonorrhea will develop symptoms, while most women will not. If left untreated, it can lead to very serious health problems – it can affect your ability to have children and cause long-term pain. If it spreads to your blood or joints, it can be life-threatening. Here are some things to look for:
Female and male:
- Pain or burning when urinating
Anus:
- Pain or itching
- Bleeding
- Mucus discharge
Eyes:
- Redness
- Itching
- Discharge
Throat:
- Throat infection
Female:
- Vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Abdominal or lower back pain
- Pain during sex
Male:
- A thick white, yellow or green discharge from penis
- Pain or swelling in the testicles
- Itchy penis
How is Gonorrhea Spread?
Gonorrhea can be spread through unprotected oral, vaginal or anal sex with someone who has gonorrhea – even if there is no penetration and ejaculation.
Let’s Make Safe Choices!
Sexually active young people are at the highest risk of getting gonorrhea. 1/2 of new cases happen to 15 to 24 year-olds.
Talk to your healthcare provider or sexual health educator about preventing, testing and treating STBBIs.
Sources:
Gonorrhea – CDC Fact Sheet, 2017. Centers for disease control and prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/std/gonorrhea/stdfact-gonorrhea.htm
