| Basic Information |
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| Description |
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An infectious disease of the reproductive organs that is sexually
transmitted (venereal disease). In females, it involves the urethra
(tube from bladder to outside of body) and reproductive system; in males
, it involves the urethra; and in both sexes the rectum, throat, joints
and eyes (sometimes). It can affect all ages (even young children) who
have sexual contact with infected persons. The peak incidence is between
ages 20 and 30. Although readily treatable, this infection has reached
epidemic levels in the USA. Incubation period is from 2 to 10 days.
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| Frequent Signs and Symptoms |
- Females often have few or no symptoms. Males usually have more
pronounced symptoms.
- Burning on urination.
- Thick green yellow discharge from the penis or vagina.
- Pain or tenderness with sexual intercourse (sometimes).
- Rectal discomfort and discharge (sometimes).
- Joint pain.
- Rash, especially on palms.
- Mild sore throat (sometimes).
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| Causes |
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Infection from gonococcus bacteria that grow well on delicate, moist
tissue. The bacteria are usually transmitted sexually, but some cases
are of unknown origin. Sexual activity involving the rectum or mouth
may transmit infection to those areas if either partner is infected.
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| Risk Increases With |
- Multiple sexual partners, whether heterosexual or
homosexual.
- Prostitution.
- Child sexual abuse.
- Passage of newborn through the infected birth canal of the mother.
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| Preventive Measures |
- Avoid sexual partners whose health practices and status are
uncertain.
- Use a latex condom during sexual intercourse.
- This condition must be reported to the local health department
to prevent its spread. It sometimes occurs simultaneously with
syphilis and chlamydia. Your cooperation is important, and your
confidentiality will be maintained.
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| Expected Outcome |
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Usually curable in 1 to 2 weeks with treatment.
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| Possible Complications |
- Gonococcal eye infection. This may cause blindness in children.
- Blood poisoning (gonococcal septicemia).
- Infectious arthritis.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Endocarditis.
- Sexual impotence in men, if untreated.
- Infertility in women.
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| Treatment/Post Procedure Care |
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| General Measures |
- Diagnostic tests may include blood studies; laboratory culture
and microscopic analysis of the discharge from the reproductive
organs, rectum or throat.
- Treatment is with antibiotic medication. Follow up laboratory
cultures will confirm cure.
- Patients should be tested for other sexually transmitted
diseases.
- Use separate linens and disposable eating utensils during
treatment.
- Wash hands frequently especially after urination and bowel
movements.
- Don't touch eyes with hands.
- Inform all sexual contacts so they can seek treatment.
- Additional information available from the Sexually Transmitted
Diseases Hotline (800) 227-8922.
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| Medication |
- Antibiotics to fight the infection will be prescribed.
- You may take nonprescription drugs, such as acetaminophen
or aspirin, to reduce discomfort but not in place of antibiotics.
Home remedies or folk-medicine treatments are ineffective.
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| Activity |
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No restrictions, except to avoid sexual relations until determination
that the infection has healed.
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| Diet |
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No special diet. Reduce consumption of caffeine and alcohol during
treatment. These irritate the urethra.
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| Notify Your Healthcare Provider If |
- You or a family member has symptoms of cervicitis.
- During treatment, discomfort persists longer than 1 week or symptoms
worsen.
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding or swelling develops during or after
treatment.
- New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may
produce side effects.
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