Learning about a sexually transmitted disease (STD) during your unexpected pregnancy can be a challenging situation. There may already be stress when it comes to deciding on one of your options. But what should you do if you found out you’re pregnant and you have gonorrhea? Your health and safety are crucial during this time. Finding support and taking steps to assess your condition can be important. Who can you talk to that can provide you with the reliable information you need?
The news that you have gonorrhea during your unexpected pregnancy can be shocking. Avenue Women’s Center offers a nonjudgmental environment to discuss your options. Confirm your pregnancy and address your concerns with one of our expert pregnancy consultants. Our caring staff can talk with you about STDs and provide you with referrals for further treatment. We can talk through your pregnancy options of abortion, adoption, and parenting. All of our services are free and will help you take the next steps in formulating a plan.
Contact us today to meet with us at any of our six locations in DuPage County!
How Is Gonorrhea Typically Contracted?
Women may contract gonorrhea if they’ve engaged in vaginal or oral sex with a partner who has it. Gonorrhea is typically a highly contagious STD. The bacteria from the infection site may spread if it’s left untreated.
The symptoms of gonorrhea can be hard to notice. Some of the signs can be easy to mistake for typical pregnancy symptoms. A woman who has gonorrhea may experience:
- Anal bleeding
- Painful bowel movements
- Anal itching
- Irregular vaginal bleeding
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Anal soreness
- Painful urination
If you know your partner has gonorrhea, it’s recommended you get tested. Even if you’re unsure if you have an STD, ruling one out is often a good idea. Gonorrhea can usually be eliminated if it’s treated right away. The longer you go without care, the more likely it is the risks will worsen.
One of the long-term effects of gonorrhea may include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This may cause scar tissue to block your fallopian tubes. If this happens, you may experience an ectopic pregnancy, infertility, or chronic pelvic pain.
What Should I Do If I Have Gonorrhea While I’m Pregnant?
If you’re pregnant, talk with a medical professional regarding how to get screened for gonorrhea. Even if you’re considering abortion as an unexpected pregnancy decision, having an STD can lead to complications. This is why gathering information about your health is usually an important first step.
Learning all you can about your situation can help you make a plan. If you know you have gonorrhea, then you can begin to assess what treatments you might need. Because gonorrhea can increase your risk of miscarriage, you may need to schedule an ultrasound exam. This can alert you to any early pregnancy complications.
This knowledge can be relevant to how you decide to move forward with your unexpected pregnancy. Based on what you learn, certain pregnancy options may no longer be available. Instead, you may need to construct a treatment plan for yourself.
It’s okay if you’re feeling overwhelmed. You may be nervous about being pregnant while having an STD. it can seem like there are too many steps in front of you. How can you even begin to process them?
Are you feeling anxious because you’re pregnant and you have gonorrhea? Avenue Women’s Center can help you learn more about your situation. We’ll discuss your concerns with you and connect you to the care you may need. Our centers are equipped to offer you a free, limited ultrasound exam to find out how far along you are and the viability of the pregnancy. During a private consultation, we’ll take the time to guide you through your choices of abortion, adoption, and parenting. We want to make sure you have the answers you need before making a decision.
Schedule your free appointment to start talking with us today!
Reviewed by Patricia Kuenzi, APN-CNP, MSN, ANP, PNP.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.