What are the complications of Gonorrhea?

In women:

* Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): This is a serious infection of the female reproductive organs. It can cause infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pain.

* Cervical cancer: Gonorrhea infection of the cervix has been linked to an increased risk of cervical cancer.

* Infertility: Gonorrhea can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes, which can lead to infertility.

* Ectopic pregnancy: Gonorrhea can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy, which is a pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies can be life-threatening.

* Miscarriage: Gonorrhea can increase the risk of miscarriage.

* Premature birth: Gonorrhea can increase the risk of premature birth.

* Low birth weight: Gonorrhea can increase the risk of low birth weight.

* Sepsis: This is a rare but life-threatening complication of gonorrhea that occurs when the bacteria enters the bloodstream.

In men:

* Urethritis: This is an infection of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Urethritis can cause pain, burning, and itching during urination, and a discharge from the penis.

* Epididymitis: This is an infection of the epididymis, the tube that carries sperm from the testicles to the penis. Epididymitis can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness in the scrotum.

* Infertility: Gonorrhea can cause scarring of the epididymis, which can lead to infertility.

* Sepsis: This is a rare but life-threatening complication of gonorrhea that occurs when the bacteria enters the bloodstream.

In both men and women:

* Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI): This is a rare but serious complication of gonorrhea that occurs when the bacteria spreads to other parts of the body, such as the joints, skin, and heart. DGI can cause a variety of symptoms, including fever, chills, rash, joint pain, and swelling.

* Endocarditis: This is an infection of the lining of the heart. Endocarditis can cause a variety of symptoms, including fever, chills, fatigue, weight loss, and shortness of breath.