Gonorrhea - female

On rare occasions, gonorrhea can spread through non-sexual contact. An infected woman may transmit the infection to her newborn during childbirth. Infection of the newborn's eyes is called ophthalmia neonatorum (gonococcal conjunctivitis).

Young girls who contract gonorrhea either from sexual abuse or intimate contact with recently contaminated objects (such as a damp towel) develop a severe infection called vulvovaginitis.

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Approximately 50% of women with gonorrhea have no symptoms (asymptomatic). They may be completely unaware that they have contracted the disease, and subsequently do not seek treatment. This increases the risk of complications and the risk of passing the infection on to other individuals.

Symptoms of gonorrhea usually appear 2 to 5 days after infection. When women have symptoms, they often note vaginal discharge, increased urinary frequency, and urinary discomfort (dysuria). Spread of the organism to the fallopian tubes and abdomen may cause severe lower-abdominal pain and fever.

Ultimately, gonorrhea may result in scarring of the fallopian tubes and permanent sterility (inability to become pregnant). Scar tissue formation around the uterus and tubes may result in painful intercourse (dyspareunia) and chronic pelvic pain.

Gonorrhea is often associated with the presence of other sexually transmitted diseases. About half of the women with gonorrhea are also infected with chlamydia, another very common STD that can result in sterility. Women who have contracted gonorrhea should request testing for other sexually transmitted diseases including AIDS.