WTF is

Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is an STI caused by a bacteria and spread through sexual fluids, including vaginal fluid and semen. You can get it from vaginal sex, anal sex, oral sex, or sharing sex toys with someone who has gonorrhea. It often has no symptoms, but can be cured with antibiotics, but gonorrhea that is resistant to antibiotics is an increasing concern.

Gonorrhea illustration
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How do I know if I have it?

You can have Gonorrhea with no symptoms, which is why it’s important to get tested regularly for STIs if you’re sexually active.

Symptoms may include:

Gonorrhea graphic of a leaking pipe
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge
  • Vaginal bleeding between periods
  • Discharge from the penis
  • Pain and swelling of the testicles
  • Burning when peeing
  • Rectal itching, soreness, and discharge
Gonorrhea graphic of a leaking pipe
Gonorrhea graphic of a band-aid

Uh...

How do I get treated?

  • Since gonorrhea is a bacterial infection, it may be cured with a single dose of injectable antibiotics, but gonorrhea that is resistant to antibiotics is an increasing concern.
  • You should wait at least 7 days after receiving treatment to have sex.
  • If your symptoms persist for more than a few days after treatment, you should see your provider for revaluation.

Ok...

How do I protect myself?

  • Get tested every 3-6 months.
  • Discuss your STI status with your sex partners.
  • Use condoms every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Graphic of banana with condom

COMMON STIs AND OTHER INFECTIONS

Read more about the most common STIs and other infections below to know how to get tested and treated.

Free STI testing - Colorful graphic of condom

Syphilis is an STI that starts as a painless sore. It can cause many different symptoms including rash, swollen lymph nodes and even brain damage and blindness.

Chlamydia is an STI that may include painful urination and abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina.

Gonorrhea is an STI that causes painful urination and discharge. If untreated it may cause infertility.

Mpox is spread through close, physical contact between individuals. Symptoms can include rashes, bumps, or blisters.

Vaginitis is a term that covers multiple conditions that are not always transmitted through sex.

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis is often caused by a virus and there are many different kinds.

Genital herpes is a common STI that causes genital pain and sores.

HPV

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). There are many different types of HPV, some more serious than others. The good thing is that there is a vaccine to prevent many types of HPV.

Term Definitions

  • Adolescent Specialty Age 12 to 24

    Agency has identified itself as a provider of services specifically for the age group from 12 to 24. The agency may also provide services for other age groups.

  • AIDS Pharmaceutical Assistance

    A program that helps pay for HIV and other medications.

  • Emergency Financial Assistance

    Short-term help paying for an emergency need, including utilities, housing, and transportation.

  • Emergency Financial Assistance Pharmacy

    Help with paying for medication.

  • Food Bank/Home Delivered Meals

    Help with getting food, either at a food bank or delivered to your home.

  • Harm Reduction and Syringe Access Services

    Services to prevent HIV transmission and overdose. Services include exchange of used syringes for new syringes in order to prevent HIV and other communicable diseases.

  • Health Education/Risk Reduction

    Information and education on how HIV is transmitted and how to take care of your health needs.

  • HIV Care and Support Services

    These are services that are sometimes called “Ryan White Services.” They are services to provide HIV care or other assistance to individuals with HIV.

  • HIV Prevention Services

    These services are meant to help prevent HIV transmission. Some services are specific to people who are HIV negative, and other services are available regardless of HIV status.

  • HIV Testing

    HIV testing in a walk-in setting.

  • Legal Services

    Help from a lawyer.

  • Low Threshold Sexual Health Services

    Sexual health, STI testing, and HIV testing in a walk-in clinic.

  • Medical Case Management, including Treatment Adherence Services

    Help facilitating healthcare and mental health needs for people with HIV while providing support services.

  • Medical Nutrition Therapy

    Advice from a licensed professional about what to eat for a specific medical need and help getting food or nutritional supplements (such as Ensure).

  • Medical Transportation

    Transportation to medical appointments.

  • Mental Health Services

    A counselor or other professional to help deal with a mental health problem.

  • Oral Health Care

    Dental care.

  • Outpatient/Ambulatory Health Services

    HIV medical care in an office or clinic.

  • Post-Exposure Prophylaxis for Non-Occupational Exposures (PEP COE)

    A hotline to find medicine to prevent HIV after an exposure.

  • Ryan White Housing

    Short-term help paying rent.

  • Substance Abuse Outpatient Care

    Drug or alcohol treatment at an office or clinic.

  • TelePrEP

    Online and phone access to medicine to prevent HIV.

  • Transitional Housing

    Help paying for housing for people with HIV experiencing homeless or with housing insecurity.

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