Gonorrhea — also referred to as “the clap” or the “drip,” is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can affect the genitals, rectum, or throat.Â
Gonorrhea is a very common STI.
Symptoms
Like many other STIs, gonorrhea is often asymptomatic — meaning that there are no obvious symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they differ depending on the genitalia of the person.
For someone with a penis, symptoms of gonorrhea may include…
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Yellow or green discharge
- Painful and swollen testicles
Symptoms of anal gonorrhea include…
- Discharge
- Itching
- Bleeding
- Soreness
- Pain during bowel movements
Symptoms that may present for a woman or an individual with a vagina include…
- Painful or burning sensation while urinating
- Increased discharge and bleeding in between periods
Oral gonorrhea, or gonorrhea of the throat, may be accompanied by persistent itchy or sore throat and/or trouble swallowing.
Transmission
Gonorrhea is transmitted through sexual fluids (semen, pre-cum, vaginal fluids), and therefore acts such as vaginal, anal, and oral sex carry a high risk of transmission. Contrary to certain myths, gonorrhea CANNOT be spread through casual contact such as sharing food/drinks, hugging, holding hands, or sitting on toilet seats.
According to the CDC, there are certain groups of people who are at a higher risk of contracting gonorrhea compared to the general population. These groups are…
- women who under 25
- older women with certain risk factors such as multiple sex partners or a partner with and STI
- sexually active men who have sex with other men
The CDC recommends testing at least once a year for people within any of these groups.
Gonorrhea can also be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth. If a baby is infected from their mother during birth, they can develop blindness, sores, and infections. The Cleveland Clinic has a comprehensive guide to STIs during pregnancy, you can read it here. Â
Prevention
The only way to totally prevent all STIs is to practice abstinence, but there are ways to practice safe sex that lower the risk of transmission.
- Condoms/Dental Dams
Using a condom and/or dental dam during vaginal, anal, and oral sex reduces the risk of transmission by limiting the contact with sexual fluids. Check out the CDC’s guidelines on how to use a condom and a dental dam here.
- Regular STI Screening
If you are sexually active, it’s important to get tested regularly for any sexually transmitted diseases or infections. Screening does not necessarily prevent you from contracting a disease, but it can prevent any further transmission and empowers you to begin treatment before the disease becomes more serious. If you are in a relationship, consider discussing this with your partner.
If you have never been tested for STIs, the American Sexual Health Association has a basic description of what each test entails, which you can read here.
Diagnosis + Treatment
The only way to know whether you have gonorrhea or not is to get tested.
The most common method of diagnosis for genital gonorrhea is an urine test. For anal and oral gonorrhea, healthcare providers can use a swab to collect samples that can test for the presence of the bacteria. Because gonorrhea has similar symptoms to other STIs, your medical provider may administer a few different tests — just to be sure. Being honest and open with your healthcare provider about your sexual activity can ensure that you get the best possible care.
Because gonorrhea is a bacterial infection, treatment is fairly simple. Antibiotics are the most common form of treatment, and the strength of the strain of bacteria determines how many antibiotics will be needed and for how long. It is crucial that the antibiotics be taken as directed. Cutting treatment short can result in the bacteria returning.
If you test positive for gonorrhea, your partner(s) may want to be tested, as well, to avoid passing the infection back and forth. Planned Parenthood recommends that once you are diagnosed and begin treatment, you refrain from having sex for 7 days. If you feel scared or uncomfortable talking to your partner about STI testing, read this guide from Planned Parenthood for tips and advice.
Once you treat gonorrhea, you are not immune and can get infected again. Getting in the habit of practicing safe sex and integrating a full STI screening into your regular check-ups can help prevent the return of any sexually transmitted infections. For tips on practicing safe sex, read Planned Parenthood’s guide here. Â
Though gonorrhea itself is not a serious threat to your health, leaving it untreated can lead to more serious complications. If you suspect you’ve been exposed to gonorrhea, get tested as soon as possible.Â
Lastly…
Gonorrhea is a very common sexually transmitted infection that poses no major threat to your health — unless it’s left untreated.
The infection is often asymptomatic, so it is the responsibility of any sexually active person to make sure they are getting tested regularly to avoid any dangerous complications and further transmission. Starting an honest and open dialogue with your partner(s) and your physician about sexual health and the risks of STIs can ensure that you are living a happy and healthy life.
Have fun and play safe!