What happens if gonorrhea goes untreated?
If left untreated, gonorrhea can spread and cause severe pain and permanent damage to the reproductive system or serious blood infection. It may make both women and men infertile. In women, gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID often has no symptoms, but when symptoms are experienced, they may include lower belly pain; cramping; burning during urination; pain or bleeding during or after intercourse; unusual vaginal discharge; nausea and vomiting, and fever. If left untreated, PID can make it difficult or impossible to get or to stay pregnant. It can also lead to “tubal” (ectopic) pregnancies and long-term pelvic pain. Like other STDs, if left untreated, gonorrhea can increase a person’s chance of getting or spreading HIV. If you have symptoms or think you’ve been exposed to gonorrhea, get tested and treated immediately to avoid complications.
