This STD comes from a bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Even though it is spread through sex, a man does not have to ejaculate in order to pass it on to his partner.
You can get gonorrhea from any kind of sexual contact, including:
- Vaginal intercourse
- Anal intercourse
- Oral intercourse (both giving and receiving)
- As with other germs, you can get the bacterium that causes gonorrhea just from touching an infected area on another person. If you come into contact with the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus of someone carrying this bacterium, you can get gonorrhea.
These germs can not live for more than a few seconds outside the body, so you can not get this STD by touching objects like toilet seats or clothes. But women who have gonorrhea can pass the disease on to their baby during a vaginal delivery. Babies born by C-section can not get it from their mother.
Gonorrhea Prevention
The only sure way to keep from getting gonorrhea is not to have sex. You also have a lower risk if you are in a long-term sexual relationship with only one person and you are their only partner. You can reduce your chances of getting gonorrhea by practicing safe sex, and by getting regular screenings.
Your risk for gonorrhea is higher if you:
Are young
• Are having sex with a new partner
• Are having sex with someone who is having sex with other people
• Have multiple sex partners
• Have had gonorrhea before
• Have had other STDs
There are specific steps you can take to safeguard yourself from gonorrhea:
Use condoms. They help protect you from STDs. They act as a barrier and keep bacteria from infecting you. Spermicide will not prevent you from getting gonorrhea.
Your Health Is Our Concern!
Mawuena Workartey/ ghanahospitals.org
