What is it? Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection most commonly spread through sex. This sexually transmitted infection (STI) most often affects the urethra, butt or throat. Gonorrhea can also affect the cervix.
What are the symptoms?
Often, people don’t have any symptoms. When symptoms are present, it can take up to three weeks for gonorrhea symptoms to appear. The most common symptoms are: Pain or burning while peeing Pain during sex Abnormal vaginal discharge Vaginal bleeding between periods or after vaginal intercourse Pus or abnormal discharge from the penis Swollen or tender testicles Pain, discharge, and/or bleeding around the anus Lower belly pain Red eyes Left untreated, gonorrhea can spread throughout the body causing swollen joints or fever.
How is it spread?
Gonorrhea can be spread through: Unprotected vaginal, oral or, anal sex Sharing sex toys Contact with the genitals of an infected partner From mother to baby during childbirth *Hugging, sitting on toilet seats, sharing utensils and dishes will not spread gonorrhea.
How do I get tested?
Testing for gonorrhea is done with a urine test (peeing in a cup) or by taking a swab from your penis, vagina, throat or butt. Depending on the type of sex you have, talk to your provider to make sure each of these areas get tested.
How do I get treated?
It is curable and can easily be treated with an antibiotic shot. Avoid having sex (even with a condom) for seven days after receiving treatment to prevent the spread of gonorrhea. Inform all of the people you have had sex with in the past 60 days so that they can get treatment and not spread the infection. It’s important to complete treatment before having sex with them again. Return to your provider for STI testing again in 3 months.
How do you prevent it?
There are several ways to practice safe sex and reduce your risk of getting gonorrhea, including: Using a condom every time you have vaginal, oral, or anal sex Using a condom to cover the penis during oral sex Using a dam (a piece of thin, soft plastic or latex) to cover the vagina during oral sex or when rubbing female genitals together Washing sex toys between users, or using separate sex toys per person for toys made of porous materials Having sex with one person who is only having sex with you
Druid Sexual Health Clinic
1515 W. North Ave. (2nd Floor) Baltimore, MD 21217 (410) 396-0176 Metro Subway: Penn-North Station
Eastern Sexual Health Clinic 1200 E. Fayette St. Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 396-9410 Metro Subway: Shot Tower
Find Us Online health.baltimorecity.gov endhivbaltimore.com
Updated January 23, 2022