Gonorrhea is a widespread sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects millions worldwide. This article answers 50 of the most frequently asked questions about gonorrhea, including its causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention.

General Questions About Gonorrhea

1. What is gonorrhea?
   Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It primarily affects the genital tract but can also infect the rectum and throat. Left untreated, it can lead to severe health complications, including infertility.
2. What causes gonorrhea?
   The infection is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a bacterium that spreads through unprotected sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. The bacteria thrive in warm, moist areas of the body such as the reproductive tract, urethra, rectum, and throat.
3. How common is gonorrhea?
   Gonorrhea is one of the most prevalent STIs globally, with millions of new cases reported annually. It is particularly common among individuals aged 15 to 24. Due to antibiotic resistance, treating gonorrhea has become more challenging in recent years.
4. Is gonorrhea a virus or a bacteria?
   Gonorrhea is caused by a bacterial infection and can be treated with antibiotics. It is different from viral STIs such as HIV or herpes, which cannot be cured.
5. Can gonorrhea go away on its own?
   No, gonorrhea requires medical treatment with antibiotics. Without proper treatment, the infection can persist and cause serious complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and epididymitis in men.

Transmission and Risk Factors

6. How is gonorrhea transmitted?
   Gonorrhea is spread through direct sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex with an infected person. It can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.
7. Can I get gonorrhea from kissing?
   While rare, transmission through deep kissing is possible if one partner has an oral infection. However, the primary mode of transmission is sexual contact.
8. Can I get gonorrhea from oral sex?
   Yes, gonorrhea can infect the throat through oral sex with an infected partner. Throat gonorrhea often presents with mild or no symptoms but can still be transmitted to others.
9. Can gonorrhea be spread through objects or surfaces?
   No, gonorrhea cannot survive long outside the human body. It is not spread through toilet seats, swimming pools, or sharing towels.
10. Who is at the highest risk of getting gonorrhea?
    Sexually active individuals, particularly those with multiple partners or inconsistent condom use, are at the highest risk. Adolescents and young adults are disproportionately affected.

Symptoms of Gonorrhea

11. What are the symptoms of gonorrhea in men?
    Men may experience painful urination, a white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis, and testicular pain or swelling.
12. What are the symptoms of gonorrhea in women?
    Symptoms in women include increased vaginal discharge, pain during urination, bleeding between periods, and pelvic pain. Many women, however, do not experience symptoms.
13. Can gonorrhea cause a sore throat?
    Yes, oral gonorrhea can cause a sore throat, though many cases are asymptomatic.
14. How long does it take for gonorrhea symptoms to appear?
    Symptoms usually develop within 2 to 10 days after exposure, but some individuals may remain asymptomatic for weeks.
15. Can gonorrhea be asymptomatic?
    Yes, many individuals, especially women, do not experience noticeable symptoms. Asymptomatic carriers can still spread the infection.

Testing and Diagnosis

16. How is gonorrhea diagnosed?
    Gonorrhea is diagnosed through laboratory tests, including urine tests and swabs from the affected area (genitals, rectum, or throat).
17. Where can I get tested for gonorrhea in Singapore?
    Testing is available at Shim Clinic and other sexual health clinics.
18. Is gonorrhea testing painful?
    Urine tests are painless, but swabs may cause slight discomfort. Testing is quick and highly recommended for sexually active individuals.
19. How soon after exposure should I get tested?
    It is best to get tested at least 2 weeks after exposure for the most accurate results.
20. Can gonorrhea be detected in a urine test?
    Yes, a urine test is commonly used to diagnose gonorrhea, particularly in men.

Additional Questions and Answers

21. Can gonorrhea be cured?
    Yes, gonorrhea can be completely cured with the right antibiotics. However, some strains are resistant to certain medications, requiring alternative treatments.
22. What is antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea?
    Some strains of gonorrhea have developed resistance to antibiotics, making them harder to treat. This is a growing public health concern.
23. How is antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea treated?
    Doctors may prescribe a combination of antibiotics to effectively treat resistant strains.
24. Can I get gonorrhea again after being treated?
    Yes, previous infection does not provide immunity, and reinfection can occur if exposed again.
25. How can I prevent gonorrhea?
    The best prevention is using condoms and getting regular STI screenings.
26. Do condoms prevent gonorrhea?
    Yes, condoms greatly reduce the risk of transmission.
27. Can gonorrhea lead to infertility?
    If untreated, gonorrhea can cause infertility in both men and women.
28. Can gonorrhea cause complications during pregnancy?
    Yes, it can lead to premature birth and eye infections in newborns.
29. Can gonorrhea increase my risk of HIV?
    Yes, having gonorrhea increases susceptibility to HIV.
30. Is there a vaccine for gonorrhea?
    No, but research is ongoing.
31. Can gonorrhea be mistaken for other infections?
    Yes, symptoms can resemble chlamydia or UTIs.
32. How does gonorrhea affect mental health?
    The stress of an STI diagnosis can lead to anxiety and depression.
33. Can diet impact gonorrhea recovery?
    A healthy immune system supports recovery, but antibiotics are required for treatment.
34. What resources are available for people with gonorrhea?
    Organizations like the CDC and sexual health clinics offer information and support.

Take Charge of Your Sexual Health

Gonorrhea is a treatable but serious infection. Regular testing, safe sexual practices, and prompt treatment are key to managing and preventing it. If you suspect you have gonorrhea, visit Shim Clinic for testing and treatment options.