Very few people worry that they are at risk for sexually transmitted diseases, but rates have risen to epidemic levels. This new information suggests a trend toward lower rates of consistent condom use and leaves Americans at a higher risk for all sexually transmitted diseases. Gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection of the woman's reproductive organs, especially the uterus and tubes, which can lead to infertility if left untreated. It can also cause tubal pregnancy and increased risk of HIV infection. Gonorrhea may cause complications during pregnancy, including stillbirth, or infant blindness or meningitis from an infected mom during delivery.
Gonorrhea can even be fatal if complications such as pelvic infection or tubal pregnancy occur.
In men, gonorrhea can cause epididymitis, resulting in pain, swelling, and redness of the scrotum. While some sexually transmitted diseases can be treated but not cured, gonorrhea is one infection that can be cured by taking antibiotics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National STD Hotline will answer general questions about sexually transmitted diseases, their symptoms, transmission, treatment and testing, and can also provide referrals to clinics and other hotlines. An interactive question and answer service from Healthwise at Columbia University Health Services. They will answer questions about health, including sexuality, sexual health and relationships.