260. If You Think You Have Gonorrhea, Do This
Gonorrhea, one of the most common infectious diseases in the world, is often symptom-free. The signs of gonorrhea can, however, show up within two to five days after sexual contact with an infected person. In men, symptoms include pain at the tip of the penis, pain and burning during urination, and a thick, yellow, cloudy penile discharge that gradually increases. In women, symptoms include mild itching and burning around the vagina, a thick yellowish green vaginal discharge, burning on urination, and severe lower abdominal pain (within a week or so after menstrual periods).
If ignored, gonorrhea can cause widespread infection and/or infertility. But gonorrhea can be cured with appropriate antibiotic treatment.
To treat gonorrhea successfully, you should heed the following:
-
•Take prescribed medications.
-
•To avoid re-infection, be sure that your sexual partner is also treated.
-
•Have follow-up cultures to determine if the treatment was effective.
