Background image for the top navigation. About the Cancer Institute Ways to Give page link Cancer Institute Homepage link
Email to a friend    Printer Friendly Page
Text Size: decrease font increase font

Visit the MaineHealth Cancer Resource Center
Search Health Information   Print This Page Print    Email to a Friend Email
Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection spread through sexual contact. It's found most often in the genital area, but it can also infect other areas of the body, such as the rectum or throat.

Most people with gonorrhea have symptoms within a few days after infection. In men it can cause a discharge from the penis. In women it can cause a pelvic infection, which can be severe. Sometimes gonorrhea causes a type of arthritis. Some people have no symptoms.

Sometimes gonorrhea is called the clap, drip, or GC. Antibiotics can cure it. Both partners need to be treated to keep from passing the infection back and forth.

Last Revised: October 9, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Peter Shalit, MD, PhD - Internal Medicine

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

© 1995-2013 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

22 Bramhall Street | Portland, Maine 04102-3175 | 1-(877)-831-2129