Gonorrhea

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Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a bacterium that can grow easily in the warm, moist areas of the reproductive tract.

Gonorrhea is found throughout the world. In the United States, cases are most prevalent in sexually active teenagers, young adults and African Americans.

Most men and women who are infected with gonorrhea have no symptoms, but some do.

The symptoms of gonorrhea can include: burning sensation when urinating, unusual discharge, unusual bleeding,, itching, soreness and painful bowel movements.
 

Gonorrhea is spread through sexual contact. Gonorrhea can also be  spread from mother to child during pregnancy.

• Abstain from sexual activity or only participate in sexual activity within a relationship where your partner has been tested and is known to not be infected

• Using a condom during sexual activity can reduce the risk of transmission of gonorrhea

The initial symptoms of gonorrhea can occur between one day and 14 days after exposure. 

Several antibiotics can successfully cure gonorrhea, although drug resistant strains of gonorrhea are increasing around the world, including the United States.

If gonorrhea goes untreated, it can cause severe and permanent health problems in both men and women, including infertility.

In 2010, Kentucky reported 3,576 cases of gonorrhea.

In 2010, there were 391 cases of gonorrhea reported in Northern Kentucky (Boone, Campbell, Grant and Kenton Counties).

For more information online, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control at http://www.cdc.gov/std/Gonorrhea/

Or, for more information and testing for gonorrhea, please call a county health center.