Gonorrhea Fact Sheet

CDC Fact Sheet
Gonorrhea
What is gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae,
a bacterium that can grow and multiply easily in the warm, moist areas of the reproductive tract,
including the cervix (opening to the womb), uterus (womb), and fallopian tubes (egg canals) in
women, and in the urethra (urine canal) in women and men. The bacterium can also grow in the
mouth, throat, eyes, and anus.
g How common is gonorrhea? g What are the signs and symptoms?

Gonorrhea is a very common infectious disease. CDC Some men with gonorrhea may have no symptoms at all.
estimates that more than 700,000 persons in the U.S. get However, some men have signs or symptoms that appear
new gonorrheal infections each year. Only about half of two to five days after infection; symptoms can take as long
these infections are reported to CDC. In 2006, 358,366 cases as 30 days to appear. Symptoms and signs include a burning
of gonorrhea were reported to CDC. In the period from sensation when urinating, or a white, yellow, or green
1975 to 1997, the national gonorrhea rate declined, following discharge from the penis. Sometimes men with gonorrhea
the implementation of the national gonorrhea control program get painful or swollen testicles.
in the mid-1970s. After several years of stable gonorrhea
In women, the symptoms of gonorrhea are often mild, but
rates, however, the national gonorrhea rate increased for
most women who are infected have no symptoms. Even
the second consecutive year. In 2006, the rate of reported
when a woman has symptoms, they can be so non-specific as
gonorrheal infections was 120.9 per 100,000 persons.
to be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection. The initial
symptoms and signs in women include a painful or burning
g How do people get gonorrhea? sensation when urinating, increased vaginal discharge, or
Gonorrhea is spread through contact with the penis, vagina,
vaginal bleeding between periods. Women with gonorrhea
mouth, or anus. Ejaculation does not have to occur for
are at risk of developing serious complications from the
gonorrhea to be transmitted or acquired. Gonorrhea can
infection, regardless of the presence or severity of symptoms.
also be spread from mother to baby during delivery.
Symptoms of rectal infection in both men and women
People who have had gonorrhea and received treatment may
may include discharge, anal itching, soreness, bleeding, or
get infected again if they have sexual contact with a person
painful bowel movements. Rectal infection also may cause
infected with gonorrhea.
no symptoms. Infections in the throat may cause a sore
throat but usually causes no symptoms.
g Who is at risk for gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is known as a “silent” disease because any
sexually active person can be infected with gonorrhea. g What are the complications
In the United States, the highest reported rates of infection of gonorrhea?
are among sexually active teenagers, young adults, and Untreated gonorrhea can cause serious and permanent
African Americans. health problems in both women and men.
In women, gonorrhea is a common cause of pelvic inflammatory
disease (PID). About one million women each year in the
United States develop PID. The symptoms may be quite mild
or can be very severe and can include abdominal pain and
fever. PID can lead to internal abscesses (pus-filled “pockets”
that are hard to cure) and long-lasting, chronic pelvic pain.
PID can damage the fallopian tubes enough to cause infertility
or increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy
is a life-threatening condition in which a fertilized egg grows
outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube.
In men, gonorrhea can cause epididymitis, a painful
condition of the ducts attached to the testicles that may
lead to infertility if left untreated. It is important to take all of the medication prescribed to
cure gonorrhea. Although medication will stop the infection,
Gonorrhea can spread to the blood or joints. This condition it will not repair any permanent damage done by the disease.
can be life threatening. In addition, people with gonorrhea People who have had gonorrhea and have been treated can
can more easily contract HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. get the disease again if they have sexual contact with persons
HIV-infected people with gonorrhea can transmit HIV more infected with gonorrhea. If a person’s symptoms continue
easily to someone else than if they did not have gonorrhea. even after receiving treatment, he or she should return to
a doctor to be reevaluated.
g How does gonorrhea affect a
pregnant woman and her baby? g How can gonorrhea be prevented?
If a pregnant woman has gonorrhea, she may give the The surest way to avoid transmission of STDs is to abstain
infection to her baby as the baby passes through the birth from sexual intercourse, or to be in a long-term mutually
canal during delivery. This can cause blindness, joint monogamous relationship with a partner who has been
infection, or a life-threatening blood infection in the baby. tested and is known to be uninfected.
Treatment of gonorrhea as soon as it is detected in pregnant Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can
women will reduce the risk of these complications. Pregnant reduce the risk of transmission of gonorrhea.
women should consult a health care provider for appropriate
examination, testing, and treatment, as necessary. Any genital symptoms such as discharge or burning during
urination or unusual sore or rash should be a signal to stop
having sex and to see a doctor immediately. If a person has
g How is gonorrhea diagnosed? been diagnosed and treated for gonorrhea, he or she should
Several laboratory tests are available to diagnose gonorrhea. notify all recent sex partners so they can see a health care
A doctor or nurse can obtain a sample for testing from provider and be treated. This will reduce the risk that the sex
the parts of the body likely to be infected (cervix, urethra, partners will develop serious complications from gonorrhea
rectum, or throat) and send the sample to a laboratory for and will also reduce the person’s risk of becoming re-infected.
analysis. Gonorrhea that is present in the cervix or urethra The person and all of his or her sex partners must avoid sex
can be diagnosed in a laboratory by testing a urine sample. until they have completed their treatment for gonorrhea.
A quick laboratory test for gonorrhea that can be done in
some clinics or doctor’s offices is a Gram stain. A Gram stain
of a sample from a urethra or a cervix allows the doctor to g FOR MORE INFORMATION:
see the gonorrhea bacterium under a microscope. This test Division of STD Prevention (DSTDP)
works better for men than for women.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/std/
g What is the treatment

for gonorrhea?
CDC-INFO Contact Center
Several antibiotics can successfully cure gonorrhea in
adolescents and adults. However, drug-resistant strains 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)
of gonorrhea are increasing in many areas of the world, Email: [email protected]
including the United States, and successful treatment of

gonorrhea is becoming more difficult. Because many people American Social Health Association (ASHA)
with gonorrhea also have chlamydia, another STD, 1-800-783-9877
antibiotics for both infections are usually given together.

www.ashastd.org
Persons with gonorrhea should be tested for other STDs.
CS115145 CONTENT UPDATED: DECEMBER, 2007

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CDC Fact Sheet

mouth, throat, eyes, and anus.

g How common is gonorrhea? g What are the signs and symptoms?

g What is the treatment

of gonorrhea are increasing in many areas of the world, Email: [email protected]

including the United States, and successful treatment of

antibiotics for both infections are usually given together.

Persons with gonorrhea should be tested for other STDs.

CS115145 CONTENT UPDATED: DECEMBER, 2007

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