Gonorrhea is a type of sexually transmitted infection. This page on the eMedTV site takes an in-depth look at this disease, including information on how it is spread, what causes it, how it is treated, and more.
This eMedTV page describes how gonorrhea transmission occurs and factors that increase the risk. For example, gonorrhea transmission can occur from mother to baby during a vaginal delivery or through contact with the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus.
This section of the eMedTV library lists possible signs and symptoms of gonorrhea in both men and women. Women often have signs and symptoms of gonorrhea within 10 days after infection, while men with gonorrhea will usually have no symptoms.
A Gram stain, gene detection, and a culture are techniques often used when diagnosing gonorrhea. This page of the eMedTV archives explains each of these methods and their reliability in diagnosing gonorrhea.
A gonorrhea test can be conducted through a swab sample or urine test; the third test is a Gram stain. In this eMedTV article, each gonorrhea test is explained in detail.
As this eMedTV page explains, treating gonorrhea usually involves antibiotics -- these are necessary to avoid serious complications. This article covers the types of treatment available and explains what happens if the condition is left untreated.
This page of the eMedTV library lists several suggestions on how to prevent getting gonorrhea. For example, abstaining from sexual intercourse and using latex condoms are common recommendations for how to prevent getting gonorrhea.
Gonorrhea complications discussed in this eMedTV article include pelvic inflammatory disease (in women) and epididymitis (in men). Other gonorrhea complications, although rare, include infections of the joints, heart valves, or brain.
This eMedTV explains what you should know about pregnancy and gonorrhea, including tips for reducing your risk of passing the infection to your child. For example, pregnant women should have at least one test for gonorrhea during prenatal care.
This eMedTV page highlights key gonorrhea statistics about the prevalence of gonorrhea versus reported cases. According to recent gonorrhea statistics, in the U.S., approximately 75% of all reported cases are found in people 15 to 29 years of age.
