Understanding Gonorrhea |
Please enjoy this handful of frequently asked questions, along with their answers |
q: What causes Gonorrea and how is it transmitted?
A: Gonorrea can be transmitted through engaging in sexual activity with an infected person - whether it be oral sex, intercourse, or anal sex. The infection can also be transferred from mother to child during childbirth.
The infection itself is caused by a bacterium known as Neisseria gonorrhoeae. During contact with genitalia, bacteria may be transferred from one partner to the next, allowing the bacteria to invade and grow in the most moist areas of the body - most commonly the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes in women, as well as the urethra, throat, mouth, eyes and anus in both genders. |
q: Am I at risk for Gonorrhea?
A: Anyone can contract Gonorrhea if you are not careful - however sexually active persons under 25 years of age, persons with new sexual partners, and persons with multiple sexual partners have a much higher risk of contracting the infection than the average person. Sexually active teenagers make up the majority of people who contract this infection.
Q: HOW SOON DO GONORRHEA SYMPTOMS APPEAR?
A: 80% of women and 15% of men experience no symptoms whatsoever - but, If you were to experience symptoms, they would appear about 7 days after infection.
Can I develop an immunity to Gonorrhea if I get it once?
A: No. Gonorrhea is an infection that can easily reoccur if you are not careful. In fact, if you are infected multiple times, the risk for serious complications grows larger each case.
When, and How long is Gonorrhea contagious for?
A: The bacteria can survive for months or years in the moist areas of your body - so gonorrhea will be contagious until you receive proper treatment.