Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is an infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is possible to contract it more than once in your life, but fortunately, there are effective treatments available.
How is it transmitted?
Transmitted through the oral, anal, penile, or vaginal secretions of a person who is infected, gonorrhea is contracted during oral, anal, and vaginal sex, nonpenetrative genital contact, and via sharing sex toys. There is also a risk of transmission during childbirth.
What are the symptoms?
An infected person often has no symptoms. However, the following symptoms may indicate the presence of a gonorrhea infection:
If left untreated, the infection could cause complications, including:
If left untreated, gonorrhea can even infect the bloodstream and cause joint damage (septic arthritis) or meningitis.
Is it treatable?
Yes! Gonorrhea is easily treated by taking a single dose of antibiotics, either orally or by injection. Sexual abstinence for the full duration of treatment, or for 7 days following a single dose, is recommended to prevent transmission.
The treatment is fully covered by RAMQ for the infected person and their partners.
Is it preventable?
In addition to safer sex practices, a vaccine usually prescribed against group B streptococcal meningitis has recently been shown to be effective in preventing the contraction of gonorrhea.
Administered in two doses, this vaccine can reduce the risk of contracting the infection after contact with an infected person by up to 40%.
However, this vaccine is not covered by RAMQ or private insurance. If you are interested, please contact a pharmacist from our team for more information or talk to your doctor.
The information on this website is presented for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide complete information on the subjects covered or to replace the advice of a healthcare professional. This information does not constitute medical consultations, diagnoses, or opinions, and should therefore not be interpreted as such. Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your medical condition, medications, or treatment.
