What is gonorrhea?
All facts about gonorrhea on the table! Gonorrhea is often colloquially called gonorrhea. It is one of the most common and longest known sexually transmitted bacterial infections caused by gonococci. We tell you about gonorrhea, how to recognize it and how to prevent it. But before we get started, here are a few hard facts about gonorrhea:
💡 An estimated 60 million people worldwide are infected with gonorrhea every year
💡 The infectious disease is not notifiable in Germany
💡 Gonorrhea – a sexist? Not at all: men and women are equally affected by infection
💡 The name gonorrhea goes back to the Dutch word for “drop”
What are the typical symptoms of gonorrhea?
The first symptoms can appear after just a few days, but the incubation period can last up to two weeks.
💡 Good to know: Gonococci in the throat and rectum usually cause no symptoms, but can be transmitted to sexual partners. In the rectum, this increases the risk of HIV infection. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to an infection of the vas deferens. In people with a vagina, the infection can affect the cervix and fallopian tubes and, if left untreated, can lead to infertility due to adhesions. Babies can be infected with gonorrhea at birth, which manifests itself in conjunctivitis and has often led to blindness if left untreated.
Where can you catch gonorrhea?
Very high risk of infection
- Unprotected anal, oral or vaginal intercourse
- Using shared sex toys
Infection extremely unlikely
- Toilets
- Sauna
The gonorrhea test from s.a.m health!
Sex is beautiful and it should stay that way!
That’s why we at s.a.m health have made it our mission to give you more security on a regular basis when you’re enjoying yourself sexually.
With our STI test kit, you can easily get tested for gonorrhea from home.. The kit also contains a chlamydia test, syphilis test and HIV test. So you can be absolutely sure!
Who should take a gonorrhea test?
- People with an active and varied sex life
- Sex workers
- People who have a chlamydia infection
- Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at greater risk of infection
- Pregnant women (these tests are carried out as part of medical prenatal care)
When should I get tested for gonorrhea?
In order to reliably detect a gonorrhea infection, you should wait about 2-3 days (diagnostic window).
Where can I get tested for gonorrhea?
Do you notice symptoms that might fit? Then you should see your doctor. However, as many gonorrhea infections are asymptomatic, regular testing is a step towards safe sex.
💡 We have summarized all the information on which STI tests are the most reliable for you.
Test procedure for reliable gonorrhea tests
How is gonorrhea treated?
How do you get rid of gonorrhea? A gonococcal (gonorrhea) infection can usually be treated well with antibiotics. Therefore, always consult a doctor. They will discuss the treatment options with you and prescribe an effective antibiotic. Many antibiotic-resistant strains have developed in recent years, which is why proper treatment under medical supervision is absolutely essential.
And sex? Yes, we know sex is beautiful! But until the treatment is complete, it is better to avoid it. This also applies even if the symptoms have already subsided. The antibodies always subside after an infection. The body’s own protection therefore does not last a lifetime. Protect yourself and get tested regularly.
Also remember to inform your sexual partners if you test positive so that they can also get tested and you are not potentially exposed to a new risk of infection the next time you have contact.
