Long Term Effects of Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea can have some serious long term effects if it is left untreated. It can spread to other areas of the body including the heart, skin, joints, or blood stream and this is referred to as Disseminated Gonococcal Infection (DGI) (WedMD, 2014). The infection can cause inflammation of the joints and tendons (Western Sussex Hospitals, 2016) which most commonly impacts the knees and hands (WedMD, 2014). DGI can also result in fever, skin infections or lesions, inflammation of the valves and chambers of the heart or infection in the tissues or fluid around the spinal cord and brain (WedMD, 2014). People who are exposed to an untreated case of gonorrhea will be at a higher risk of contracting HIV/AIDS (CDC, 2016).

Gonorrhea Complications for Males

Males who have an untreated gonorrhea infection run the risk of developing a condition called epididymitis which is a pain in the small, coiled tube near the rear part of the testicles where the sperm ducts are found (Mayo Foundation, 2016). If this is left untreated it can lead to infertility (NHS, 2015). Males can also experience painful abscesses inside the penis and scarring on the urethra (Kiefer, 2015). There is also some risk of inflammation of the prostate (Analyte Health, 2016).

Gonorrhea Complications for Females

Females who have an untreated gonorrhea infection increases the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and this can increase the overall risk of infertility (WedMD, 2014). An untreated infection can also result in long-term pelvic pain, blocked fallopian tubes, or an ectopic pregnancy where the fetus develops outside of the womb (Western Sussex Hospitals, 2016). Other effects of long term exposure to gonorrhea can cause an inflamed bladder (Mayo Foundation, 2016).

Women who are pregnant may be at an increased risk of a miscarriage (Mayo Foundation, 2016) or premature labor (WedMD, 2014). Pregnant women with untreated gonorrhea may also have the amniotic sac break open and the amniotic fluid to leak or gush out. The newborn may also experience the effects of untreated gonorrhea in the mother. Newborns who have gonorrhea are likely to get pinkeye and may also experience an infection of the bloodstream, inflammation in the joints, scalp infections, or infection in the tissues and fluids that surround the spinal cord and brain (WedMD, 2014).

Avoid Gonorrhea Complications

It is important to keep yourself and sexual partners safe by having open discussions about sexual health and having regular sexual health screenings. If you receive a positive for gonorrhea it is important to consult with your medical health professional and follow the proper treatment plan to clear the infection. Keep yourself safe from sexually transmitted infections and contribute to your overall health and well being.