The Article in Brief

Background: Women with gonorrhea infection can develop serious medical conditions. Men are more likely than women to have symptoms of gonorrhea that are diagnosed and treated. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) examined research from 1996 to 2004 to determine the effectiveness of gonorrhea screening.
What This Statement Recommends: The USPSTF recommends that clinicians screen all sexually active women, including those who are pregnant, for gonorrhea infection if they are at increased risk (that is, if they are young or have other risk factors). The USPSTF did not find sufficient evidence to recommend for or against routine screening for gonorrhea infection in men at increased risk for infection
Implications:
* Rates of gonorrhea have been decreasing each year since 1999. However, only 8 states had gonorrhea rates below a target of 19 cases per 100,000 people.
* Rates of gonorrhea vary widely among regions of the country. Clinicians may wish to consult with their local health departments to obtain information more relevant to their specific communities and practices.