Meet gonorrhea, the contagious yet curable genital infection that's as sneaky as it is common. Gonorrhea is both a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and a sexually transmitted disease (STD). A little terminology refresher: STI refers to infections without symptoms, while STD is used when symptoms or complications occur. Caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, gonorrhea targets the genitals, anus, and throat, often without symptoms, but can lead to serious health issues if ignored.
In this article, we'll talk about the visual cues that signal gonorrhea's presence, from subtle to obvious. We'll also stress the importance of regular STI testing – especially if you have multiple partners or engage in unprotected sex. Stay informed, stay safe, and take control of your sexual health!
Read More: What is Gonorrhea?
What does gonorrhea look like?
According to Dr. Sabrina Cole, the most common visual symptoms of gonorrhea include unusual discharge from the penis or vagina, redness and swelling in the throat or rectum, and sometimes, swollen lymph nodes in the pelvis or neck. Women and other people with vaginas are more likely to exhibit symptoms like discharge, while men and other people with penises often show no signs at all.
When men and other penis-havers do have noticeable symptoms, a few telltale signs indicate gonorrhea. Yellow, white, or greenish discharge from the penis is a common symptom, as is swollen or painful testicles. Some people also experience a burning sensation during urination. Less common gonorrhea symptoms include a sore throat or rectal symptoms if the infection is in those areas.
In women and people with vaginas, gonorrhea can be a bit stealthier. Look out for increased vaginal discharge that's thicker, yellowish, or bloody, as well as burning or pain during urination. Other signs include bleeding between periods or after sex and abdominal or pelvic pain, which usually only occurs if the infection has spread. Similar to men, less common symptoms of gonorrhea in women may include a sore throat or rectal issues.
But gonorrhea's impact on the body doesn't stop there! According to Dr. Cole, this sneaky STI can infect any mucous membrane it touches, including the mouth, throat, or rectum. This means that anal discharge or itching, a sore throat, or even redness and discharge from the eyes can be signs of infection. In rare cases, a rash may appear. Cole notes that throat infections can masquerade as strep but won't respond to the same antibiotics.
If you're curious about what transmitted diseases look like, a quick Google search for "gonorrhea" will show you more than enough, probably more than you ever wanted to see. Consider yourself warned!
Can gonorrhea be asymptomatic?
Gonorrhea can be a silent threat of sexually transmitted diseases, with many people showing no symptoms, especially in the early stages.
In fact, according to Cole, "Most people with gonorrheal infections (as high as 60-70%) do not have any symptoms."
What you really need to know is that anyone can have gonorrhea without any visual symptoms whatsoever, but this doesn't mean they can't get seriously ill or pass it to others. So regular STI testing is crucial, even without visible signs.
Read More: STI Testing Stories (and Why At-Home Testing Is a Great Idea)
The dangers of untreated gonorrhea
Untreated gonorrhea can lead to a range of serious complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, infertility in both men and women, and an increased risk of HIV transmission.
As Cole warns, "Gonorrhea that has been left untreated can spread into the uterus and Fallopian tubes, causing serious infection and/or scarring and affecting your ability to get pregnant."
Untreated cases can also cause scarring in the urethra, abscesses, and painful swelling in the penis. If left unchecked for long enough, the infection can even spread to joints, the bloodstream, or other organs, and in rare cases, lead to systemic infections causing gonorrhea rashes, sore and swollen joints, and liver problems.
So, you may be wondering, can gonorrhea go away on its own? Gonorrhea will not go away on its own.
As Cole emphasizes, "Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that our bodies are not very good at getting rid of on their own."
Without treatment, the infection can persist, putting individuals at risk of spreading the disease and experiencing serious complications.
When to see a doctor
If you're experiencing unusual symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Don't wait for symptoms to worsen; early intervention is key to preventing complications.
It's also a good idea to get tested for STIs every time you have a new partner and every time you have unprotected sex with someone for the first time, even if you're not having any symptoms. Regular STD testing and open communication with your healthcare provider can help protect your sexual health and prevent further spread of the infection.
Treatment and prevention
Gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotics, but you must complete the entire course to avoid complications. But here's the thing: there's a growing concern about "super gonorrhea" – a strain that's resistant to multiple antibiotics.
As Cole warns, "The bacteria that causes gonorrhea is getting better and better at beating the antibiotics that we use to treat it."
This means that treatment might not be as effective. In some cases, stronger antibiotics or even hospitalization may be needed.
Because of this, taking steps to prevent the transmission of gonorrhea is imperative. Get tested regularly and practice safer sex with barrier prophylaxis, like condoms or dental dams. Use condoms or dental dams on shared sex toys as well.
If you're diagnosed, get treatment as soon as possible, and make sure your partners get tested and treated, too. Take the antibiotics as prescribed, and hold off on any new sexual contact until at least seven days after everyone's been treated and everyone's symptoms have resolved.
Read More: What is Super Gonorrhea?
The bottom line
When it comes to gonorrhea, no symptoms doesn't mean no problem. It's crucial to get checked by a doctor and treated ASAP if needed.
And honestly, regular STI testing and safe sex practices are just a part of being a responsible sexual being. For more information about STIs, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Author's Note: While gender is often used within this article, it's only to ensure the people who want this information can find it.
