Gonorrhea (Clap or Drip)
Gonorrhea is caused by the Neiseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. It is most common in young heterosexuals who have new or multiple sex partners and engage in unprotected sexual intercourse. According to the CDC adolescent females ages 15-19 have the highest rates of gonorrhea and in men, the highest rate is found in the 20-24 year old range. Gonorrhea is also often seen among males who have sex with males. There were 15,783 cases of gonorrhea reported for Georgia in 2004, ranking fifth in the nation for the highest gonorrhea cases.
gonorrhea under a microscope
How do I get this STD?
This STD is spread during vaginal, anal, and oral sex with someone who has Gonorrhea.
What should I watch for?
Symptoms generally show up 2 - 21 days after having sex. Most women and some men have no symptoms at all. Following oral sex, there may be no symptoms at all. You may only have a typical sore throat with fever and tonsillitis.
|
|
VERY GRAPHIC!
What happens if I don't get treated?
- You can give your partner Gonorrhea.
- It can lead to a more serious infection like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and prostatitis and epididymitis in men.
- Your reproductive organs can be damaged preventing you from having children.
- A mother with gonorrhea can give it to her baby during childbirth. Babies who are infected with gonorrhea and not treated can have permanent blindness.
- Untreated Gonorrhea can cause heart trouble, skin disease, and joint disease.
How can I prevent it?
Abstinence, or avoiding sexual contact, is your best and only 100% certain way of preventing STDs.
Use a new latex condom (rubber) with a water-based lubricant every time you have sex.
Read below for more ways you can protect yourself...
ANSWER:
Abstinence, or avoiding sexual contact, is your best and only 100% certain way of preventing STDs. There is really no way to have a sexual relationship with another person that does not put you at risk for STDs. Ideally you should wait to have sex until you are ready for a permanent relationship with just one person and when they are equally committed to this relationship and to only having sex with you. Even in this situation, there is a risk of STDs if you or your partner has had other sexual relationships prior to this relationship.
If you are having sex now using a latex condom is your first line of defense. Use a new condom every time you have sex. Many teens are embarrassed to buy condoms, but if you are old enough to have sex, you are old enough to act responsibly. Don't let embarrassment prevent you from taking care of yourself and your partner.
Think ahead and always be prepared!
More Ways to Protect Yourself if You are Having Sex Now:
- Have sex only with one partner who is not infected and is only having sex with you.
- Talk with your partner about past sex partners and about any needle drug use.
- Don't have sex with someone who you think might have a STD.
- Before you have sex, look closely at your partner for any signs of STD. If you see anything you are worried about, don't have sex!
- Use a latex condom (rubber) for oral and anal sex. Use an unlubricated condom for oral sex. Males and females should both carry protection.
- In addition to condoms, use birth control foam, cream, or jelly. These kill many STD germs.
- Urinate immediately after sex - this may help remove harmful germs from the urinary tract.
- Avoid using alcohol or drugs that can impair your judgment, making you more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors.
- Get checked for STDs every time you have a health exam if you have had sex. Remember not all STDs have symptoms!
- Know the symptoms of STDs. If you notice a symptom, go see a doctor.
- If you have a STD, your partner must get treated. Don't have sex until your treatment is complete.
The Teen Resource website is funded through the Georgia Department of Community Health - Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program.