Gonorrhea is generally treated with antibiotics. However, drug-resistant strains of the bacteria are increasing in many areas of the world, which means that successful
treatment for gonorrhea is becoming more difficult.
Possible Complications
Gonorrhea treatment is extremely important, because serious complications can occur if the condition is left untreated. The most common complication in women is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to an
ectopic pregnancy that results in a miscarriage and can cause the death of the mother.
Complications in men can include epididymitis, which is a painful condition of the testicles that can lead to infertility if left untreated.
Preventing Infection
- Abstaining from sex
- Being faithful
- Using condoms.
Prevention also requires understanding birth control, talking to your partner and doctor, having regular pelvic exams, and regular testing. The most effective method of preventing gonorrhea, or any sexually transmitted disease (STD), is to practice abstinence (not having vaginal, oral, or anal sex).
Gonorrhea is a common infectious disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that each year more than 700,000 people in the United States will get a new gonorrheal infection. Only about half of these are reported to the CDC.
In 2002, 351,852 cases of gonorrhea were reported. From 1975 to 1997, the national gonorrhea rate declined following the implementation of the national gonorrhea control program in the mid-1970s. After a small increase in 1998, the rate has decreased slightly since 1999. In 2002, the rate of reported gonorrheal infections was 125 per 100,000 people.
Previous