One of the many challenges of adopting an older child, especially a teenager, is to talk openly about sex and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Teenagers that have been in foster care are more likely to be sexually active than their peers are and less likely to use protection.

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The warm, moist areas of the reproductive tract, including the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes in women, provide ideal environments for the bacteria to grow and multiply. In both men and women, the bacteria can thrive in the urethra, mouth, throat, eyes, and anus.

Gonorrhea is contracted by contact with the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus of an infected person. Gonorrhea can also be spread to a baby during delivery and can cause blindness, joint infection, or a life-threatening blood infection in the baby.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that there are over 700,000 new gonorrheal infections each year. That is a little over one newly infected person each year for every 1000 people. However, the CDC believes that only about half are reported.
Any sexually active person can be infected with gonorrhea. The highest reported rates of infection in the United States are among sexually active teenagers, young adults, and African Americans.

Some men display no symptoms after contracting Gonorrhea. While other men display symptoms two to five days after infection and still others may take 30 days to appear. Symptoms can include burning during urination, or a white, yellow, or green, discharge from the penis, painful or swollen testicles. In men, if gonorrhea is left untreated it can cause epididymitis, a painful condition of the testicles that can lead to infertility.

Women may experience mild or no symptoms. When symptoms do occur women often mistake them for a bladder or vaginal infection. The initial symptoms in women may include burning or painful urination, increased vaginal discharge, or vaginal bleeding between periods.

Rectal infections of gonorrhea may display no symptoms or consist of a discharge, anal itching, soreness, bleeding, or painful bowel movements. Infections in the throat may cause a sore throat or no symptoms. Gonorrhea can spread to the blood or joints and be life threatening.

An article in the Child Welfare League of America contained the following information about teenagers in foster care and sex.

“In one major study on sexual activity among youths in foster care, it reported that 41.1% had had intercourse, 40.5% were recently sexually active, and 56.8% had intercourse while in the current family foster home.
In a 1992 survey, 86% of all teens age 15 and older in the custody of the Vermont Department of Social and Rehabilitate Services reported that they were sexually active….reported that of the sexually active teens in foster care, only 38% reported using any type of contraceptive regularly.

Several laboratory tests are available to diagnose gonorrhea. Antibiotics can usually cure gonorrhea in adolescents and adults but they can’t repair permanent damage caused by the disease. Drug resistant strains are increasing, which makes successful treatment more difficult.

Abstinence is the best way to avoid contracting a STD. Consistent use of condoms can reduce the risk of gonorrhea.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases - Home Page
STDs and Pregnancy - Fact Sheet
Order Publications Online
STD information and referrals to STD Clinics
CDC-INFO
1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)
TTY: 1-888-232-6348

CDC National Prevention Information Network (NPIN)
P.O. Box 6003
Rockville, MD 20849-6003
1-800-458-5231
1-888-282-7681 Fax
1-800-243-7012 TTY
E-mail: info@cdcnpin.org

American Social Health Association (ASHA)
P. O. Box 13827
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-3827
1-800-783-9877

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