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You are here : 3-RX.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Gonococcal Infections: Prevention & Expectations
      Category : Health Centers > STDs

Gonococcal Infections

Alternate Names : Gonorrhea

Gonococcal Infections | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring

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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    Gonococcal Infections: Diagnosis & Tests

     

    Gonococcal Infections: Treatment & Monitoring

    Author: Danielle Zerr, MD
    Reviewer: Barbara Mallari, RN, BSN, PHN
    Date Reviewed: 09/24/01



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