What additional fact about gonorrhea should the nurse inform the client besides its infectious nature?

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection that can lead to significant complications if left untreated. One critical aspect to communicate to clients is that it can produce sterility, especially in women if the infection spreads into the reproductive organs, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can result in scarring and damage to the fallopian tubes, leading to infertility. In men, while it is less common, untreated gonorrhea can lead to epididymitis, which in rare cases can also affect fertility.

This information is vital for clients to understand the potential long-term effects of the infection if it is not promptly treated. While other factors, such as being asymptomatic and the treatability of gonorrhea, are important to know, highlighting the serious consequence of sterility underscores the need for regular screening and treatment, particularly in high-risk populations.