Complications Due to Gonorrhea

If gonorrhea is left untreated, several complications can occur. The disease spreads into the body, mainly the reproductive tract. Gonorrhea may also spread into the blood stream and affect the joints, heart, and the brain. If a person is infected with gonorrhea, his or her chances of acquiring HIV increase.

Complications in Men

Complications of gonorrhea in men include a disease called Epididymitis. This disease causes inflammation of the testicles that can lead to infertility or the inability to father children.

Complications in Women

Complications of gonorrhea in women include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID leads to sterility or the inability to have children. Women can also get abscesses or sores. Ectopic pregnancies, those outside of the womb, can occur. These types of pregnancies can lead to death. Infected women can also get perihepatitis, an infection around the liver.

Children born to a mother with gonorrhea can get severe eye infections.