Yes, it is possible to live with gonorrhea for years without even knowing it. Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is one of the most commonly reported STIs in the United States and can affect both men and women.
If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious health complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and epididymitis in men. PID can cause infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain in women. It can also lead to an increased risk of HIV transmission.
Gonorrhea is often asymptomatic, meaning it does not cause any noticeable symptoms. This is why it is possible to live with gonorrhea for years without even knowing it. In fact, the majority of infected individuals do not have any symptoms.
When symptoms do appear, they can include a burning sensation when urinating, an increased need to urinate, yellowish or greenish discharge from the penis or vagina, and pain or swelling in the testicles.
If you have been sexually active and think you may have been exposed to gonorrhea, it is important to get tested and treated right away. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing serious health problems.
If you are diagnosed with gonorrhea, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. It is important to take the entire course of antibiotics to ensure the infection is completely cleared.
In conclusion, it is possible to live with gonorrhea for years without even knowing it. However, it is important to get tested and treated for gonorrhea if you think you may have been exposed. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing serious health problems.