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Gonorrhea
Definition
A common sexually transmitted bacterial infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhea. It is transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse. Infected individuals may be asymptomatic. Symptoms in males include burning sensation during urination, discharge from the penis, and painful swelling of the testes. Symptoms in females include painful urination, vaginal discharge, and vaginal bleeding between periods. If untreated, the infection may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. (NCI Thesaurus)
More information
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease. It is most common in young adults. The bacteria that cause gonorrhea can infect the genital tract, mouth, or anus. You can get gonorrhea during vaginal, oral, or anal sex with an infected partner. A pregnant woman can pass it to her baby during childbirth.
Gonorrhea does not always cause symptoms. In men, gonorrhea can cause pain when urinating and discharge from the penis. If untreated, it can cause problems with the prostate and testicles.
In women, the early symptoms of gonorrhea often are mild. Later, it can cause bleeding between periods, pain when urinating, and increased discharge from the vagina. If untreated, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which causes problems with pregnancy and infertility.
Your health care provider will diagnose gonorrhea with lab tests. Treatment is with antibiotics. Treating gonorrhea is becoming more difficult because drug-resistant strains are increasing. Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading gonorrhea. (NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)
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