Long-Term Effects of Gonorrhea in Men: Urethral Stricture & Epididymitis

In men, long-term effects of gonorrhea may include:

Stricture in the urethra: Untreated gonorrhea can cause scar tissue formation in the urethra, resulting in a narrowing (stricture) of the urethra. This can make it difficult to pass urine and may require surgical intervention to correct.

Epididymitis: Gonorrhea can sometimes spread to the epididymis, a small coiled tube located on the back of each testicle. Inflammation of the epididymis, called epididymitis, can lead to pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected testicle.

Orchitis: In rare cases, gonorrhea can spread to the testicles, leading to an inflammation called orchitis. Symptoms of orchitis may include Testicular pain and swelling, Fever, Nausea, Headache.

Infertility: Severe or untreated gonorrhea can cause damage to the reproductive organs, particularly the epididymis. In some cases, this damage can result in infertility. However, timely treatment of gonorrhea typically enables men to preserve their fertility.

To avoid these potential long-term consequences, it is crucial to undergo testing and seek prompt treatment for gonorrhea if diagnosed. Treatment usually involves antibiotic medication prescribed by a healthcare professional.