Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that infects the reproductive tract and the urethra.
The STI often presents without symptoms, which makes it highly transmissible.
In 2023, more than 600,000 cases of gonorrhea were reported in the United States.
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Over half of these cases were in people between the 15 and 29.
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Gonorrhea Overview
Gonorrheais highly common.
When a person contracts the infection, they may beasymptomatic.
Asymptomatic infections do not cause symptoms.
The bacterium that causes gonorrhea can affect thecervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and urethra.
It can also infect the mouth, throat, eyes, and rectum.
What Percentage of People Experience Symptoms?
The prevalence of symptoms depends partly on sex.
Only 10%20% of females will develop symptoms of a gonorrhea infection.
Few males are asymptomatic, though about 25% will have minimal symptoms.
Urethral infections in males are much more likely to be symptomatic than infections in other sites.
How Common Is Gonorrhea?
It is estimated that the 2023 numbers show roughly 179.5 cases per 100,000 people.
However, teenagers and young adults are found to be the most affected by the STI.
Females between the ages of 10 to 19 have higher rates of infection than males.
Causes of Gonorrhea and Risk Factors
Gonorrhea iscaused bybacteria known asNeisseria gonorrhoeae.
This bacteria can enter the body through sexual contact, including penile, vaginal, anal, andoral.
Infants can also contract the infection from their mothers if an infection is present at birth.
Anyone sexually active is at risk of contracting gonorrhea.
This is especially true if they do not use condoms.
What Are the Mortality Rates for Gonorrhea?
It is rare that gonorrhea will lead to death.
However, it is not impossible.
The research surrounding deaths sparked by gonorrhea is incredibly scarce because of how rare it is.
How Does Gonorrhea Cause Infertility?
In females, gonorrhea can cause infertility because the infection can damage the entire female reproductive system.
In males, a small tube near the back of the testicles known as theepididymisbecomes inflamed.
This tube has sperm ducts, and when it becomes inflamed, it can lead to infertility.
Screening and Early Detection
Because gonorrhea is often asymptomatic, its important to participate inregular screenings.
Early detection can help lower the risk that the infection will progress and cause infertility.
An STD clinic might be able to help with notification.
Summary
Gonorrhea is a common and highly transmissible STI.
This will help keep you and your partners safe from the infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
While gonorrhea can lead to death, it is incredibly rare.
Research surrounding gonorrhea deaths is incredibly scarce because of that fact.
People of all ages can contract gonorrhea if they have unprotected sex with someone who has the infection.
However, one age group is the most affected.
That age group is young adults and teenagers between the ages of 15 and 24.
Anyone who is sexually active runs the risk of contracting gonorrhea.
Using condoms during all forms of sexual activityvaginal, penile, anal, and oralcan significantly reduce that risk.
Getting screened regularly can also help reduce the chances of the infection spreading.
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