What you need to know about Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection that can affect the genitals, rectum, and throat. It is a very common infection, especially for younger people aged 18-30. Commonly referred to as “the clap”, gonorrhea can be spread with vaginal, anal, or oral sex with a carrier of gonorrhea. Additionally, gonorrhea can be spread during childbirth.

Symptoms of Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea can often go unnoticed, as it may be asymptomatic in both men and women. However, for people who do get symptoms, they may include;

• Painful/ burning sensation when urinating
• Discharge from either the penis or vagina
• Vaginal bleeding between periods
• Painful or swollen/tender testicles.

Rectal Gonorrhea can also include symptoms of;

• Discharge
• Soreness
• Itching
• Painful bowel movements
• Bleeding

Additionally, women are at an increased risk, as gonorrhea usually is asymptomatic or very mild, and can be confused with a bladder or vaginal infection. This can lead to complications, as women may develop Pelvic Inflammatory disease (PID) and men can experience issues with the tubes attached to the testicles.

How do I know if I have Gonorrhea?

Most of the time, a urine test is the primary way to see if you have gonorrhea. Swabs can also be used for oral or anal testing, and to get samples from the urethra or the cervix.

Is Gonorrhea Curable?

Luckily, gonorrhea is one of the STIs that is curable, if caught and treated within a reasonable timeframe. It is best to get tested regularly if you are sexually active, because although the infection itself is curable, much of the long-term damage done by the infection is irreversible. Additionally, drug resistant strains have been increasing. If symptoms remain after a few days of treatment, it is recommended to return to a health care provider immediately.

How do I prevent Gonorrhea?

It is best to wait a full seven days after finishing all prescribed medication before being sexually active, and follow any additional instructions given to you by a health care provider. If you have had gonorrhea in the past and took medicine for it, you can still get it again with a future partner. To decrease the likelihood of getting gonorrhea you should do the following:

• Use male or female condoms every time you have anal or vaginal sex
• Use a Dam during vaginal or anal oral sex
• Use a Condom during penal oral sex
• Do not share sex toys, or thoroughly wash and cover them with condoms before anyone else uses them
• Get tested regularly, and encourage sexual partners to do the same

These preventative measures will help keep you safer when having sex and make sex more pleasurable in the long run.

Summary

Gonorrhea is a curable, preventable STI, but that doesn’t mean it should be taken lightly. As it often does not have symptoms, it can actually be more dangerous than other STIs that show symptoms, as it goes untreated. Make sure to always practice safer sex. Sex will be safer, more fun, and you will have more peace of mind. Visit pamco.ca to view your options and help maintain your sexual wellbeing and health. Take care of yourself!