Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is an STI caused by bacteria and is easily passed from person to person during vaginal, anal or oral sex.
It can affect the:
- penis
- cervix (opening to the uterus),
- rectum or anus
- throat and eyes
Symptoms
Painful sex, urination or unusual discharge may be indications of a gonorrheal infection; however 50% of both men and women do not get symptoms. Symptoms can also come and go.
Testing for gonorrhea involves a swab of the infected area or a urine test. If you have gonorrhea, all your recent sex partners need to be tested too. You can tell partners yourself, or the Public Health Unit can do it for you without mentioning your name.
Treatment
Gonorrhea can be treated and cured with antibiotics. If left untreated, it may cause serious health problems, including infertility. If you have gonorrhea during childbirth your baby can be born with serious complications, including blindness.
For more information on gonorrhea contact your local health care practitioner, local member of Canadian Federation for Sexual Health, sexual health clinic or Public Health Department.