Gonorrhea

Every year 650,000 people become infected with Gonorrhea and 80% do not know they have it. Gonorrhea symptoms show up within a week after exposure and include fluid discharge from the vagina (women) or urethra (men) and may cause pain with urination. In women, abnormal vaginal bleeding is common. In men, pain and swelling around the testicles may occur. The infection in women usually begins in the cervix and sometimes spreads to the uterus and fallopian tubes causing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Oral and rectal infections also occur causing pain, discharge, irritation and other symptoms. Infection can occur without symptoms and can be transmitted without either person knowing it. Gonnorhea can be treated with antibiotics, however complications such as PID are more difficult to treat and may require hospitalization. Gonnorhea also causes problems for pregnant women and their babies.