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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Gonorrhea in Females

Prevention & Expectations

What can be done to prevent the infection?

Many cases of gonorrhea can be prevented by following safer sex guidelines. Prompt treatment of the infected person and any sexual partners will prevent further spread. Pregnant women should be tested for gonorrhea and treated if they have the infection.

What are the long-term effects of the infection?

Gonorrhea can cause serious long-term effects if it is not treated effectively. These effects include the following:

congestive heart failure, a condition in which a weakened heart cannot pump blood effectively

death from overwhelming sepsis or bloodstream infection

endocarditis, which is an infection involving the heart

increased risk for tubal pregnancy

infertility in females and males

meningitis, or infection of the brain and spinal cord

pelvic inflammatory disease, or widespread infection in the pelvis

septic arthritis, with infection of one or more joints

visual impairment, including blindness

What are the risks to others?

Gonococcal infections are very contagious. They are spread from person to person during sexual contact or childbirth.

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