If you choose to seek care in his office, you will receive care from Eliot Y. Ghatan, MD, not his associate, not his assistant, and not a physician extender.

What is Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STD). Gonorrhea is a very common STD that affects both men and women mostly between ages of 14-24 years. Many cases are asymptomatic. Undiagnosed cases may lead to infertility. Gonorrhea is easily transmitted.

How is Gonorrhea spread?
Infection can spread by having vaginal, oral, penile, anal, and ocular contact. A pregnant woman with gonorrhea can infect her baby during childbirth. Male to female transmission is more common, up to 90%. Female to male transmission is less, about 20%.

What are the Symptoms of Gonorrhea?
Symptoms of Gonorrhea present in 2 to 30 days after exposure. However, many people who have Gonorrhea are not aware of their infection.

In men: There may be no symptoms, or may have A burning sensation when urinating. A white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis. Many men also present with itching, burning especially itching and abnormal sensations at the tip of the penis. Painful or swollen testicles (not common) can occur.

In women: most commonly there are no symptoms, or may have painful or burning sensation when urinating.Vaginal itch, painful intercourse. Increased vaginal discharge. Vaginal bleeding between menstrual cycles.Women may also have lower abdominal pain, nausea and or fever.

Rectal (Anal) infections may either cause no symptoms or cause symptoms in both men and women that may include: Discharge, anal itching, bleeding, soreness, painful bowel movements, and rectal fullness.

Oral inoculation may result in mucopurulent discharge or sore throat.

What are complications of Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can be fatal if untreated or may cause infertility (scar formation blocks fallopian tubes), ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb). Epididymitis (a painful condition in tubes attaches to the testicles) is a complication in men which may cause infertility. In rare cases, untreated gonorrhea can also spread to blood or joints. This condition can be life-threatening.

What is the treatment for Gonorrhea?
After a through history, physical exam and lab test, proper diagnosis is established, treatment is rendered.

Patient is advised to have all contacts tested and to refrain from sexual relations until treatment is completed

For additional information, please visit https://www.stdtesting.org/gonorrhea-testing/