OMNIPATH® DIAGNOSTICS
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PATIENT EDUCATION
GONORRHEA
WHAT IS GONORRHEA?
Gonorrhea is the second most commonly reported curable STD in the United States.
In 2007, just under 360,000 cases were reported to the CDC. Gonorrhea infections
can occur in the rectum and also the throat, but is more common in the vagina. The
most common site of the initial infection is the cervix and the urethra. If left untreated,
gonorrhea can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes, resulting in pelvic inflammatory
disease (PID).
Although it is uncommon, gonorrheal infections that are left untreated can lead to
systemic infections including disseminated gonococcal infection in the joints, skin, heart
or blood.
HOW IS GONORRHEA TREATED?
Gonorrhea is a curable infection through the use of antibiotics. Because accompanying
chlamydia infections are common with gonorrheal infections, antibiotics to treat both
are generally given when a patient presents with gonorrhea. Women who are pregnant
can also receive treatment without harming the fetus. It is important to alert your physician, so that he or she selects the best treatment for your specific case.
REFERENCE
www.healthywoman.org/
www.OmniPathDiagnostics.com