What Are the Long Term Effects of Gonorrhea?

If treated early gonorrhea will not cause any long term effects but if left untreated it can lead to some serious complications. In women an untreated gonorrhea infection can eventually lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, ovarian abscesses, infertility and rarely Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome of the liver. In men possible long term complications of a gonorrheal infection are Epididymitis which is an inflammation of the tubes located behind the testicles that store sperm and Prostatitis which is an inflammation of the prostate gland. Another possible complication for both men and women arising from untreated gonorrheal infections is a Disseminated Gonococcal Infection. DGI’s occur when the gonorrhea infection spreads to other areas of the body such as the skin, joints, blood and heart. DGI’s are sometimes responsible for sepsis, cellulitis, arthritis, endocarditis, and meningitis.

Note: This article is not medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your specific condition.