Gonorrhea

Signs and Symptoms

Individuals often do not have symptoms.
If symptoms do occur, this often occurs between
2 and 7 days after exposure but may be as long
as 30 days
Abnormal discharge from penis or vagina
Burning or painful sensation while urinating
Frequent urination
Irritation around anus, bleeding, or painful
bowel movements
Itching around opening of penis (men)
Soreness or swelling around top of penis (men)
Painful or swollen testicles (men)
Bleeding between menstrual periods (women)
Painful intercourse (women)

Transmission
Oral, anal, or vaginal sex
Infected mother to newborn during vaginal
birth

Complications/Effects if Left Untreated
Increased risk for HIV infection
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (women)
Infertility
Ectopic (tubal) pregnancy
Chronic pelvic pain
If left untreated during pregnancy:
Premature delivery
Blindness, or life threatening infections in
newborns

In 2006 there were 236 cases in Atlantic County, 1556 in Essex County, 645 in Camden County, 422 in Hudson County, 393 cases in Passaic County, and 188 cases in Union County. Statewide, there were 5,492 cases reported in 2006.

*Information taken from NJDHSS