STD Information
What is Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can infect both men and women, and can affect the genitals, rectum and throat.
How does Gonorrhea spread?
Gonorrhea can be spread by vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who is infected with the disease. A pregnant woman infected with Gonorrhea can pass the infection onto her baby during childbirth.
If you are pregnant, talk to your health care provider immediately to seek treatment. Treating the infection right away will decrease the likelihood of health complications for you and for your baby if you are pregnant.
How do I know if I have Gonorrhea?
Get tested to find out if you have been infected with Gonorrhea. Alternatives Pregnancy Center offers free STD testing. Call (916) 880-4040 to schedule an appointment.
Men may have no symptoms, or may experience
- A burning sensation when urinating
- A white, yellow or green discharge from the penis
- Painful or swollen testicles
Rectal infections caused by Gonorrhea in men and women may include
- Discharge
- Anal itching
- Soreness
- Bleeding
- Painful bowel movements
Women often do not experience any symptoms. Women that do have symptoms can often mistake the infection as a bladder or vaginal infection. Gonorrhea symptoms can include
-
- A burning or painful sensation when urinating
- Excessive vaginal discharge
- Vaginal bleeding between periods
What happens if I don’t receive treatment?
Untreated Gonorrhea can cause serious and permanent health issues both women and men. In women, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can develop. PID can cause pelvic pain, the inability to become pregnant and a potentially deadly ectopic pregnancy (a condition where the pregnancy occurs outside the womb).
Testing is only available for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. The STD testing is done by a simple urine test, so please come to the appointment with a full bladder. Do not have sexual intercourse 48 hours prior to the appointment. Do not douche 48 hours prior to the appointment. Do not use a tampon 48 hours prior to the appointment. Call (916) 880-4040 to schedule a free STD test.