• Vaginal Changes
• Infections
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What are the Complications of Gonorrhea?

Medically reviewed and edited by Harmony Vance, APRN

What is Gonorrhea and How Does it Spread?

Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

This condition can be transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner. Bacteria can also be passed from mother to baby during childbirth.

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What are the symptoms of gonorrhea?

Not everyone who contracts gonorrhea will experience symptoms, but some of the most common ones include:

• Pain or burning sensation while urinating

• Abnormal discharge from the genital area

• Pain and discomfort during sex

• Abnormal bleeding between periods in women

• Painful or swollen testicles in men

Symptoms usually appear between two to 14 days after infection.

What are the Risk Factors of Untreated Gonorrhea?

Leaving gonorrhea untreated can be dangerous and may contribute to a number of long-term health complications — some of which could be life-threatening.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

PID is an infection of the female reproductive system that develops when STIs like gonorrhea spreads from the cervix to other parts of the reproductive tract — usually the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes.

This condition can cause chronic pain and increase a person’s risk of developing an ectopic pregnancy if they fall pregnant.

Individuals who have PID are also at an increased risk of becoming infertile.

Ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube.

This pregnancy can’t progress without potentially life-threatening consequences — like internal bleeding or ruptured fallopian tubes — and must be terminated.

Risks during pregnancy

Contracting STIs, like gonorrhea, while pregnant can have severe consequences for the mother and baby.

Gonorrhea increases the risk of premature labor and stillbirth. Newborns may also have a dangerously low birth weight and be more susceptible to serious infections.

Epididymitis

Epididymitis is a condition that causes inflammation in the epididymis — this is the tube that carries sperm from the testicles.

It usually causes pain, swelling, and tenderness in the scrotum that affects your quality of life. If left untreated, epididymitis may lead to other health complications like infertility.

Infertility

Untreated cases of gonorrhea can increase the risk of infertility in both men and women.

In men, gonorrhea can cause damage to the testicles, which can affect sperm count. This can also contribute to sterility or the inability to produce sperm.

In women, untreated gonorrhea can cause scarring and blockages in the fallopian tubes. This can prevent eggs from reaching the uterus and becoming fertilized.

High risk of contracting HIV

Gonorrhea may also increase a person’s risk of contracting HIV.

This is because gonorrhea causes bouts of inflammation that damage the body’s mucous membranes — these are the moist inner linings of certain organs like the mouth, fallopian tubes, or urethra.

When these membranes are damaged, it’s easier for diseases like HIV to enter and infect the body.

Sepsis

Although rare, untreated gonorrhea can lead to sepsis if the penal or vaginal infection spreads to the bloodstream.

This is a potentially fatal condition that occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to an infection. Sepsis can cause organ failure.

How Can You Prevent Gonorrhea Complications?

The best way to prevent gonorrhea complications is to get tested and treated as soon as possible after you’ve been in close physical contact with an infected person.

If you’re sexually active, it’s also important to use condoms consistently to reduce the risk of contracting gonorrhea in the first place.

You should also get tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) regularly, especially if you have multiple sexual partners or exhibit risky sexual behavior.

When Should I See a Doctor About Gonorrhea Infections?

If you’re experiencing any of the initial symptoms of gonorrhea or you suspect you’ve been exposed to infection, make an appointment with your doctor.

Gonorrhea can be easily treated and cured with antibiotics.

Proper treatment significantly lowers the risk of developing serious complications, so it’s important to start taking medication as soon as your doctor recommends it.

Where Can I Learn More About Gonorrhea and Other STIs?

If you suspect that you have gonorrhea or are concerned about any of your symptoms, you can speak to a board-certified physician or nurse practitioner from the comfort of your home.

Head over to LifeMD to schedule a telehealth appointment.

Harmony Vance, APRN

Harmony is a family nurse practitioner and has been caring for patients for over 20 years through various roles in the medical field. She graduated in 2018 with a Master's Degree and a focus on family care.

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