Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacterium called Neisseria Gonorrhoeae. This bacteria can grow easily in the warm, moist areas of the reproductive tract, including the cervix (opening to the womb), uterus (womb) and fallopian tubes (egg canals) in women, and in the urethra (urine canal) in women and men. The bacterium can also grow in the mouth, throat, eyes and anus.

The Centers for Disease Control estimates there are more than 700,000 new cases of Gonorrhea each year in the United States. The CDC reports that the highest reported rates of infection are among sexually active teenagers and young adults.

Gonorrhea Symptoms

For Women:

• Yellowish or yellow-green vaginal discharge
• Bleeding between menstrual cycles
• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Painful sex
• Painful urination
• Urge to urinate more than usual
• Vomiting

In women, the symptoms of Gonorrhea are often mild, but most women who are infected have no symptoms.

For Men:

• Burning when urinating
• Discharge from the penis
• Painful or swollen testicles

Some men with Gonorrhea have no symptoms at all.

How People Get Gonorrhea

• Vaginal sex
• Anal sex
• Oral sex
• It can be transmitted from mother to baby during birth and can lead to blindness and life-threatening blood infections.

Gonorrhea Testing and Treatment

Sac Valley Women’s Health in Sacramento offers free STD tests for Gonorrhea. We collect a urine sample and send the sample for testing with an accredited laboratory. Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics.

Call us at (916) 451-2273 (CARE) or request an appointment online for a free STD test.

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice. We do not perform abortion services.