If not treated, internal scarring and blockage of fallopian tubes can cause sterility, tubal pregnancies, chronic pelvic pain and menstrual irregularities. An untreated pregnant female can pass gonorrhea to her baby's eyes during childbirth. This type of infection, which may cause blindness, can be prevented by special drops. These drops are put into the eyes of all newborns at birth. Although not common, gonorrhea in males can cause pain and swelling in the testicles which may result in sterility.
Gonorrhea requires immediate medical attention and is diagnosed with special tests.
These tests will detect gonorrhea even when the infected person has no symptoms. Gonorrhea is curable. It is treated with antibiotics. Sexual partners must be treated at the same time to ensure re-infection does not occur.