What is GonorrheaGonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This infection can occur in the penis or external genitals, vagina or internal genitals, anus, and eye. The bacteria can also be found in body fluids such as semen, pre-ejaculate, vaginal fluids, and anal fluids. Show Gonorrhea can be cured with antibiotics. It is a common STI in British Columbia. CausesGonorrhea is passed through vaginal, oral, and anal sexual contact. This includes both penetrative sex and sexual activities where there is an exchange of body fluids. You can also get gonorrhea by sharing sex toys. Once you have this infection, you can pass it to others even if you don’t have symptoms. SymptomsIf you have gonorrhea, it is common to not notice any symptoms. If you do get symptoms, they will most likely show up between 2 to 7 days. Your symptoms will depend on where the infection is located, but occur most often in the penis/external genitals. The most common symptoms include:
*Note: If you have had lower surgery, your genital symptoms may vary. Tests and DiagnosisThere are choices for how you test for gonorrhea. A health care provider will recommend certain tests depending on the types of sex that you’re having. Testing is usually done with a urine sample or a swab of the throat, rectum and/or vagina. It is best to get tested for gonorrhea if you:
Window Period (how long to wait before testing): Most test results are accurate 7 days after you come in contact with gonorrhea. In British Columbia, most test results should be ready in 10 days. Find a clinic TreatmentGonorrhea is treated with prescription antibiotics. It is important to take all your medications as directed. If you miss any doses, the infection may not be cured. See your health care provider if this happens or if you still have symptoms after you finish your treatment. The medications used to treat gonorrhea are available for free in BC. Talk to your health care provider to see if they have them in stock. After Getting Treatment
Sexual PartnersYour sexual partners within the last two months should be tested and treated for chlamydia. If you haven’t had sex in the last two months, your last partner should be tested and treated. Recent sexual partners should be treated even if they test negative because it can take up to 6 weeks before an infection can be detected by the test. There are a few ways to tell partners, talk to your health care provider about what is right for you. Some ways to let sexual partners know to get tested:
How to talk to your partners ComplicationsIf you treat gonorrhea early, there are usually no other health problems. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications including:
Pregnancy: If you are pregnant you should be screened for gonorrhea. You can pass gonorrhea to your child during birth. PreventionIt is a good idea to be tested regularly for STIs, especially if you have new sexual partners or open relationships. Talking with partners about safer sex makes sure everyone knows what to expect. Condoms are great if they work for you – the correct use of condoms reduces your chances of getting and passing gonorrhea. Downloadable GuidesGonorrhea information sheet A PDF version of the Gonorrhea topic page on SmartSexResource. Download Gonorrhea Information Sheet (Spanish) (Gonorrea) Download Gonorrhea Information Sheet (Punjabi) Download Gonorrhea Information Sheet (Simplified Chinese) (淋病) Download Resources and Related PagesHow do you know gonorrhea is gone after treatment?A test-of-cure – follow-up testing to be sure the infection was treated successfully – is not needed for genital and rectal infections; however, if a person's symptoms continue for more than a few days after receiving treatment, he or she should return to a health care provider to be reevaluated.
How long is gonorrhea contagious after treatment?Wait seven days after finishing all medicine before having sex. You and your sex partner(s) should avoid having sex until you have each completed treatment and your symptoms are gone. This will help prevent you and your partner(s) from giving or getting gonorrhea again.
Is it possible to still have gonorrhea after treatment?If you still have symptoms after you finish your treatment, call your doctor. Even if you finish your treatment and the gonorrhea is totally gone, it's possible to get infected with gonorrhea again. Gonorrhea isn't a one-time-only deal. So use condoms and get tested regularly.
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