Gonorrhea has a short incubation period and symptoms appear 2 to 5 days following sexual activity. Spread of the organism to the Fallopian tubes and abdomen may cause lower abdominal pain , guarding, rebound tenderness, fever , and generalized symptoms of bacterial infection. Gonorrhea is often associated with the presence of other sexually-transmitted diseases. About half of the women with gonorrhea are also infected with Chlamydia trachomatis, another very common STD that can result in sterility. Women who have contracted gonorrhea should request testing for other sexually-transmitted diseases including AIDS .
Abstinence is the only absolute method of preventing gonorrhea.
A monogamous sexual relationship with an individual known to be free of any STD is advisable. Condoms are inexpensive considering the consequences of contracting a sexually-transmitted disease. Treatment of all sexual partners is essential to prevent reinfection, and is a primary reason that the government has implemented mandatory reporting. Gonorrhea is still relatively easily cured and total eradication of the disease is, in theory, at least possible as the gonorrhea organism appears to exist only on the mucous membranes of humans. An immediate preliminary diagnosis of gonorrhea can be made at the time of examination.