Gonococcal Infections
Alternate Names : Gonorrhea
What can be done to prevent the disease?
Many cases of gonorrhea can be prevented by following safer sex guidelines. Prompt treatment of the infected person and sexual partners will prevent further spread. Pregnant women should be tested and treated for gonorrhea as needed. All newborns should receive preventive antibiotic eyedrops, such as erythromycin or gentamicin.
What are the long-term effects of the disease?
Gonococcal infections can cause serious long-term effects if they are not treated effectively. These effects include the following:
congestive heart failure, a condition in which a weakened heart cannot pump blood effectively
death from overwhelming sepsis or bloodstream infection
endocarditis, which is an infection involving the heart
increased risk for tubal pregnancy
infertility in females and males
meningitis, or infection of the brain and spinal cord
pelvic inflammatory disease, or widespread infection in the pelvis
septic arthritis, with infection of one or more joints
visual impairment, including blindness
What are the risks to others?
Gonococcal infections are very contagious. They are spread during sexual contact or childbirth.
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