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1. What is gonorrhea?

   Gonorrhea infection is caused by a bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The bacterium can be transmitted during vaginal, oral or anal sexual contact with an infected person. If left untreated it can lead to infertility and serious pregnancy-related complications, such as premature delivery and tubal pregnancy.

2. If a gonorrhea infection usually doesn't cause symptoms, why is it necessary to get treated?

   Even though infection often occurs without symptoms, it can still cause serious consequences for women and their infants. Also, the only way to stop the spread of the disease is by treating everyone infected, whether they have symptoms or not.

3. How will gonorrhea infection affect my chances of getting pregnant?

   It depends on several factors, such as how long you have been infected and whether the infection has migrated into your upper genital tract. Pelvic inflammatory disease, which is caused primarily by gonorrhea infection, leads to infertility in about 20 percent of women who have the condition.

4. Does having gonorrhea put me at greater risk for other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

   Yes. Gonorrhea infection increases your risk of HIV by producing more of the type of white blood cells to which HIV attaches itself. The risk factors for gonorrhea also put you at risk for other STDs, especially chlamydia, which is often found in the same populations that are infected with gonorrhea.

5. What are the side effects from gonorrhea treatment?

   Gonorrhea can be cured with antibiotics without causing significant side effects. However, you must take all of the prescribed pills to be cured.

6. How is pelvic inflammatory disease treated?

   Most cases of PID are treated adequately with a combination of oral antibiotics and a single intramuscular injection. More serious cases may require intravenous antibiotics, maybe even surgery.

7. Can a pregnant woman pass on gonorrhea to her infant?

   Yes. The infection can be transmitted during birth and can cause eye, ear and lung infection in a newborn. Fortunately, a pregnant woman can take medication that will cure gonorrhea without harming her or her child.

8. How often should I be tested for gonorrhea?

   If you are sexually active and between the ages of 16 and 25, you should be screened at least once a year. If you suspect you have been exposed, see your health care professional immediately.

9. What are the greatest risk factors for gonorrhea infection?

   Having unprotected sex creates the biggest risk of infection. Also, starting sex early and having multiple partners increases your risk of infection.