Gonorrhea

• exually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria
• Also known as the dose, clap or drip

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms may appear in two to seven days. Many people do not get symptoms, and if they do, the symptoms can appear and disappear.

• Women:
  • Increased vaginal discharge
  • Pain on urination
  • Pain or bleeding during or after sex
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • Pain in lower abdomen (stomach)

• Men:
  • Yellowish-green discharge from the penis
  • Pain when passing urine, or passing urine more often
  • Tingling or itching inside of penis
  • Pain in testicles

Spread

It is spread from one person to another through vaginal, anal and oral sex

Treatment

• Specific antibiotics

Complications

• If not treated in women:
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) (infection in reproductive organs)
  • Infertility (unable to get pregnant) or ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy)
  • Severe eye, ear or lung infections in newborn babies of infected women

Prevention

Always use a condom, even if you are using other methods to prevent pregnancy.

Gonorrhea is a reportable disease and must be reported to the Local Medical Officer of Health under the Health Protection and Promotion Act

This information is for general knowledge only and does not replace professional medical advice. For STI testing or more information, contact our confidential sexual health clinic at 519-753-4937 ext. 471.