FAQ's About Gonorrhea

What are the consequences if I do not seek medical treatment for my Gonorrhea?

If Gonorrhea is left untreated, it will usually lead to severe and permanent health situations for both male and females. It important to seek medical attention immediately when you notice any of the signs and symptoms of Gonorrhea. If you are infected with Gonorrhea and you do not get medical help than you are more at risk of getting HIV.

How does Gonorrhea spread?

Gonorrhea is spread as an STD through anal or oral contact with someone who already HAS Gonorrhea, causing it to not be airbourne. The only way to get Gonorrhea is usually through sexual intercourse. However, the bacteria in Gonorrhea can survive on the outside of the body. If the infected individual releases this contact with discharge on a substance (rag, shirt, ect.) and another person touches it, there is a chance that the non-infected person will get gonorrhea as well. Pregnant women may also pass their Gonorrhea onto their baby during birth. It is imperitive that women realize how much of a risk it is when you have Gonorrhea. The safest thing to do is undergo tests for an std and seek medical attention immidiately.

How can I avoid getting Gonorrhea?

The same ways you of preventing any STD is the same for Gonorrhea.

-Abstinence from oral, vaginal or anal sex
 
-Monogamy with an uninfected partner

-Getting Gonorrhea testing for you and your partner

-Use of latex condoms for all types of sexual contact even if full penetration does not occur

If I am pregnant, do I have a higher risk of getting Gonorrhea?

No, you are not at a higher risk of GETTING Gonorrhea. It is still an STD therefore it must be throught sexual intercourse. However, if you HAVE Gonorrhea you are at a higher risk of passing it onto your child during birth. The bacteria can get into the eyes of the baby during birth. The safest thing you can do is get tested for an STD and get it treated. If you think you may have an STD of any kind, get tested immidiately.

How do I know if I need to get tested for Gonorrhea or any other STD?

Even if you have Gonorrhea, the symptoms might not appear and it will be hard to determine whether you have it or not. It is recommend that anyone who knows that they have come into contact with someone who has Gonorrhea, or who has had several sexual partners in the recent past, take a Gonorrhea test. It is also recommended to take a test at the first signs and symptoms of Gonorrhea to get help as soon as possible. Also when you take the test your results will be 100% confidential (personal information as well as the test result). Your resluts will not be discussed unless you choose to discuss them, otherwise you are guarenteed your privacy of your test results.