Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0

Gonorrhea is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. It is caused by bacteria and is passed from one person to another during sex. It most often starts as an infection of the urethra. The urethra is the tube that urine passes through in the penis.

Popular names for gonorrhea are clap, drip, dose, and strain.

What are the symptoms?

If symptoms occur, they usually appear 2 to 10 days after you were exposed to the bacteria. Symptoms of gonorrhea include:

• thick, yellow discharge (drip) from the penis
• burning or pain when you go to the bathroom
• urge to go to the bathroom often.

You must see your doctor to check if you have gonorrhea.

How long does it last?

The outcome of a gonorrheal infection depends on:

• the length of time you have been infected
• the extent of the infection
• the number of previous infections you have had.

If only the urethra is infected, proper treatment should clear up the infection in 10 days.

If untreated, gonorrhea can lead to scarring of the urethra, inability to urinate normally, and inflammation of the testicles. Testicle inflammation can cause you to not be able to have children.

What is the treatment?

1. Antibiotics for gonorrhea

   You will need to take the antibiotic prescribed by your physician.

2. Antibiotics for chlamydia

   Because many men who have gonorrhea also have a chlamydial infection, treatment for gonorrhea also includes treatment for chlamydia. You will need to take the antibiotic prescribed by your physician.

3. Contacts

   Tell everyone with whom you have had sex in the last 3 months about your infection. They must also be treated, even if they have no symptoms. Do not have sex until both you and your partner have finished all the medication.

4. Follow-up

   Return to your physician's office about 7 days after completing your medication so that your doctor can make sure that the infection is gone.

5. Prevention

   Because gonorrhea is sexually transmitted, there are ways that you can help prevent this infection. Not having sex (abstinence) is the best method of prevention. Use of condoms is the next best method. In addition, you are less likely to get a sexually transmitted disease if you have just one sexual partner.

Call Your Physician During Office Hours If:

• Your symptoms get worse.
• You have other questions or concerns.