Patient Services: Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium neisseria gonorrhoeae. About 700,000 Americans will be infected with gonorrhea every year. Gonorrhea can infect the cervix, uterus and fallopian tubes of women and the urethra, mouth, throat and rectum of both men and women. Common names for gonorrhea are "the clap" and "the drip."
Common Symptoms
80 percent of women and 10 percent of men have no symptoms, but
common symptoms include the following.
For Women:
- Burning with urination or frequency of urination
- Menstrual irregularities
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
- Pain during sex
- Yellowish or yellow-green discharge from the vagina
- Swelling or tenderness of the vulva
For Men:
- A pus-like discharge from the urethra
- Burning during urination
- Fever
- Swollen or painful testicles
Testing and Treatment
Testing and treatment for gonorrhea is available at all PPIN health center locations.
- Testing: A diagnosis of gonorrhea is determined by a lab test of a sample of secretion from the vagina or penis or through a urine test.
- Treatment: Gonorrhea infections are treated with antibiotics. All partners must be treated.
Reduce you risk: practice safer sex!
