Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is transmitted through sexual fluids during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Often, gonorrhea does not present with noticeable symptoms, allowing infected individuals to unknowingly transmit it. The infection can impact various parts of the body, including the genitals, mouth, and rectum.
Gonorrhea and Conception
A man with gonorrhea can still get a woman pregnant. Gonorrhea primarily affects the reproductive tract but does not prevent sperm production or ejaculation in men. Similarly, the infection does not prevent ovulation in women. Conception remains physically possible if the woman is ovulating and the man can ejaculate viable sperm.
Impact on Fertility for Both Partners
While conception is possible, untreated gonorrhea can significantly affect the ability to conceive over time for both men and women. In men, untreated gonorrhea can lead to epididymitis, an inflammation of the coiled tube located behind the testicles that stores and transports sperm. This inflammation can cause scarring or blockages in the sperm ducts, potentially reducing sperm count or motility. Such complications can make natural conception more challenging.
For women, untreated gonorrhea can ascend from the cervix to the upper reproductive tract, leading to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. This condition can cause scar tissue to form in the fallopian tubes, blocking them or making it difficult for an egg to travel to the uterus. PID significantly increases the risk of infertility or an ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube.
Risks During Pregnancy
If a pregnancy occurs while one or both partners have gonorrhea, there are several serious risks for both the pregnant person and the baby. For the pregnant individual, untreated gonorrhea increases the risk of complications such as miscarriage and premature birth. It can also lead to premature rupture of membranes and postpartum infection, specifically endometritis, which is an infection of the uterine lining. The infection can also increase susceptibility to other STIs like HIV.
For the baby, significant risks arise if the infection is transmitted during vaginal delivery. One severe complication is ophthalmia neonatorum, a gonococcal conjunctivitis or eye infection that can lead to blindness if left untreated. In severe instances, the bacteria can spread throughout the baby’s body, causing systemic infections, including blood or joint infections, and meningitis. Early screening for gonorrhea during pregnancy is important to prevent these severe outcomes.
Testing and Treatment
Regular STI testing is important for sexually active individuals, particularly those who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Gonorrhea is treatable and curable with antibiotics. Treatment involves an antibiotic injection, often ceftriaxone, sometimes combined with an oral antibiotic. It is important to complete the entire course of medication as prescribed, even if symptoms improve.
Treating both partners is important to prevent reinfection and further complications. Individuals should abstain from sexual activity until treatment is complete and symptoms have resolved. Consistent and correct use of condoms during sexual activity reduces the risk of gonorrhea transmission.