Gonococcal pharyngitis natural history, complications, and prognosis

Overview
Gonococcal pharyngitis is a sexually transmitted infection of the tonsils and back of the throat (pharynx).

Natural history, complications
The following complications may occur in both men and women:


 * Disseminated gonococcemia
 * Gonococcal arthritis

Complications in men may include:


 * Epididymitis
 * Orchitis
 * Prostatitis
 * Urethral scarring and stricture

Complications in women may include:


 * Increased chances of ectopic pregnancy
 * Infertility
 * Perihepatitis
 * Pelvic inflammatory disease
 * Salpingitis
 * Sterility

Prognosis
Gonorrhea can be completely and quickly cured when diagnosed early and treated promptly before complications develop. Untreated gonorrhea may spread to other parts of the body, causing inflammation of the testes or prostate in men, or pelvic inflammatory disease in women.