STIs & STDs
STIs (sexually transmitted infections) and STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) are more common than you may think. Some are dangerous and can lead to infertility and other problems that can last a lifetime without treatment. You should get tested if you are at risk.
What is Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection that can be treated. It is the most common cause of sterility in women and can also affect the fertility in men. Over 648,000 new cases of Gonorrhea were reported in the US in 2022. If you have been exposed or at risk, it is imperative to be tested and treated quickly.
Symptoms of Gonorrhea
Many people do not have symptoms. This one reason the infection can spread quickly.
Women may not have any symptoms until the infection becomes serous. Symptoms can include abdominal pain and vaginal discharge.
Men can get a discharge for the penis and burning with urination.
If left untreated, Gonorrhea can cause:
- Formation of scar tissue that can block fallopian tubes
- Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb)
- Infertility (inability to get pregnant)
- Long-term pelvic/abdominal pain
In men, gonorrhea can cause a painful condition in the tubes attached to the testicles. In rare cases, this can lead to infertility.
Rarely, untreated gonorrhea can also spread to your blood or joints. This condition can be life-threatening.
Testing & Treatment
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection and can be treated with antibiotics. Some strains are becoming more resistant to treatment. You can be exposed to a resistant strain of Gonorrhea even if this is your first infection. If you have been exposed to Gonorrhea make an appointment as soon as possible so you can be tested and treated.
Phoenix Women’s Clinic offers testing and treatment for both men and women for Gonorrhea. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are tested together, with the cost of the office visit and lab work being $55.00.
Treatment for Gonorrhea is an injection of Ceftriaxone or Rocephin in the office, costing $40.00.
Why is STI Testing Important before an Abortion?
It is crucial to get tested and treated for STIs before an abortion. If you have a STI at the time of an abortion, the procedure can cause the infection to spread to the reproductive tract, potentially leading to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). When left untreated, PID can cause infertility and ectopic pregnancy in the future.
Gonorrhea Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How is gonorrhea spread?
Gonorrhea is spread through unprotected sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and contact with infected bodily fluids. It cannot be spread through casual contact such as sharing objects or touching surfaces.
How is gonorrhea treated?
Due to emerging strains of drug-resistant Neisseria Gonorrhoeae, the bacterium that causes gonorrhea; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that uncomplicated gonorrhea be treated with the antibiotic ceftriaxone. This antibiotic is given as a shot, or injection.
Can I have gonorrhea if I do not have symptoms?
Yes, gonorrhea can present itself as asymptomatic. It is important that if you are sexually active and/or have multiple partners, to be screened.
Can you leave gonorrhea untreated?
If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause ectopic pregnancy from scar tissue that can potentially block the fallopian tubes. It may also cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and infertility.
For more information on Gonorrhea:
https://www.cdc.gov/std/gonorrhea
https://www.cdc.gov/std/statistics/2022/default.htm
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