Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Debra Houry, MD, MPH

Debra Houry, MD, MPH

Debra Houry, MD, MPH, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine and in the Department of Behavioral Science and Health Education at the Rollins School of Public Health. She is currently the Director for the Center for Injury Control, Rollins School of Public Health and teaches several courses on violence and injury prevention at Emory.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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When to Seek Medical Care

When to call the doctor

Call your health care practitioner if you suspect gonorrheal infection and any of the following signs or symptoms are present:

• Fever

• Abdominal pain

• Discharge from the penis or vagina

• Pain with urination

• Arthritis, joint pain

• Appearance of a rash with dark centers

• Lethargy

• Rectal pain or discharge

• Sore throat (pharyngitis)

• Sexual contact with an infected person

Gonorrhea can develop into more serious medical conditions if not treated. The infection may spread through the bloodstream and affect mucous membranes throughout the body. Symptoms of more serious disease can include joint pain and rash. Complications of gonorrhea can also include meningitis (inflammation of the brain) or perihepatitis (an infection of the liver).

If you have any of the following serious symptoms, you need to go to a hospital's emergency department immediately for treatment with antibiotics (given through an IV).

• Women: Pelvic inflammatory disease is a serious medical condition that can lead to infertility. Fever, abdominal pain, and vaginal discharge can be symptoms of this disease.

• Men: Fever, discharge from the penis, and painful urination may signal an infection, especially involving inflammation of the testicles.