What is Gonorrhea?

This page was reviewed or revised on Saturday, October 26, 2002.

Gonorrhea is a serious infection transmitted by any type of genital, anal or oral sex with an infected person. Early signs in the male may be a burning sensation when urinating and a discharge from the penis. Some men and most women will have no early symptoms.

What can it do to me?

Gonorrhea can cause "Pelvic Inflammatory Disease" in women (a very serious infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes), leading to sterility and other complications. In men, gonorrhea can cause sterility and difficulty urinating. Gonorrhea may also cause arthritis. Early treatment prevents all these complications.

How is it treated?

With antibiotics, usually penicillin or tetracycline. It is vital to follow instructions given with your pills. Symptoms may disappear in a few days but the disease may not be cured until all the pills have been taken. It is best not to drink alcohol when taking antibiotics.

Does the treatment always work?

Generally, yes. The only way to be certain is to come back five to seven days after completion of your treatment for a follow-up test. Some strains of Gonorrhea are difficult to treat and a test for cure should always be done.

When can I have sex again?

After your test has demonstrated that you are disease-free.

Could I have given it to other people?

Yes, but only to your sex partners. You are "infectious" (capable of giving the disease) from the moment you pick it up. This poses problems, because it can take several days for men to know they have the disease, and women often have no noticeable symptoms. Therefore it is very important to tell all the persons you have had sex with during the past month. They may have the disease and not be aware of it. Your Public Health Nurse can also contact your partners. Your name will be kept confidential.