Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by bacteria that affects both men and women. It usually affects the rectum, throat, and the urethra in both men and women; in women, it can even infect the cervix. Gonorrhea is typically spread during sex and often shows no symptoms, which is why gonorrhea testing Los Angeles is so important.

Symptoms

Although gonorrhea often shows no symptoms, here is a list of concerning signs to look out for should they appear:

  • In men:
    • Swelling and or pain in one testicle
    • Pus-like discharge from the penis
    • Painful urination
  • In women:
    • Unusual vaginal discharge
    • Pain during intercourse
    • Pelvic or abdominal pain
    • Painful urination
    • Bleeding between periods or after intercourse

Gonorrhea can also appear in other areas of the body and each has its own symptoms.

  • Eyes
    • Eye pain
    • Pus-like discharge
    • Sensitivity to light
  • Rectum
    • Pus-like discharge
    • Anal itching
    • Blood in stool
    • Trouble during bowel movements
  • Joints
    • Redness, warmth
    • Swelling
    • Extreme pain especially with movement
  • Throat
    • Sore throat
    • Swollen lymph nodes

Causes

The bacteria that causes gonorrhea is called Neisseria Gonorrhea and is passed from person to person during sexual contact. The type of contact can be anal, oral, and vaginal intercourse. Your chances of contracting gonorrhea are increased if you are younger in age, have a new sexual partner, have multiple sex partners, or if you have had any other STD before.

Treatment

If you have received gonorrhea testing Los Angeles and have a positive diagnosis, the next step will be to take prescribed antibiotics to treat the infection. Uncomplicated gonorrhea should be treated with an injection of the antibiotic ceftriaxone, paired with either doxycycline or azithromycin, which are both oral antibiotics. There has also been some research conducted that has shown that oral azithromycin combined with either oral or injected gentamicin is also an effective treatment.

If you have had unprotected sex and suspect that you have contracted an STD, contact our office at (213) 261-4090 or schedule an appointment online for gonorrhea testing Los Angeles.