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Gonorrhea

[gä-nə-ˈrē-ə]

Group of men and women

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can infect both men and women. It can cause infections in the genitals, rectum, and throat. It is a very common infection, especially among young people ages 15-24 yrs. You can get gonorrhea by having anal, vaginal, or oral sex with someone who has gonorrhea. A pregnant woman with gonorrhea can give the infection to her baby during childbirth. Any sexually active person can get gonorrhea through unprotected anal, vaginal, or oral sex. If you are sexually active, have an honest and open talk with your health care provider and ask whether you should be tested for gonorrhea or other STDs.

Quiz

Key Facts

  • Anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea.
  • Gonorrhea can be cured with the right medication.
  • Untreated gonorrhea can cause serious health problems in both women and men.
  • Untreated gonorrhea can increase a person’s risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Media

  • Two men

    Anyone who is sexually active is at risk. Even if you are a sexually active man who is gay, bisexual, or who has sex with men, you should be tested for gonorrhea every year.

  • Woman talking to doctor

    If you are sexually active, have an honest and open talk with your health care provider and ask whether you should be tested for gonorrhea or other STDs.

View Transcript   View Low Resolution Video

  • Let's Talk About Sexual Health screenshot
  • What You Need to Know About Gonorrhea screenshot
  • The Growing Threat of Multidrug-Resistant Gonorrhea screenshot

Prevention Tips

  • Untreated gonorrhea can increase a person’s risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

  • Abstain from sexual intercourse.

  • Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.

  • Limit the amount of alcohol you drink, and don’t use recreational drugs. People take more risks when they have been drinking or using drugs.

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