Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can infect both men and women and typically affects the genital tract, but it can also infect the throat and rectum. Gonorrhea is highly contagious and is primarily transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Symptoms

The symptoms of gonorrhea can vary, and some individuals may be asymptomatic (show no symptoms), particularly women. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

In Women:

• Unusual vaginal discharge, often yellow or green
• Pain or burning sensation during urination
• Bleeding between periods or after sexual intercourse
• Pain in the lower abdomen

In Men:

• White, yellow, or green discharge from the penis
• Pain or burning sensation during urination
• Swelling and pain in the testicles (less common)

In Both Genders:

• Pain, itching, or discharge from the rectum (if the infection is rectal)
• Sore throat and swollen lymph nodes in the neck (if the infection is oral)

Complications

If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious health problems:

• In Women: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.
• In Men: Epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis), which can lead to infertility.
• In Both Genders: The infection can spread to the blood (disseminated gonococcal infection), which can be life-threatening.

Diagnosis

Gonorrhea is typically diagnosed through:

• Urine tests
• Swabs from the infected areas (cervix, urethra, rectum, throat)

Treatment

Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics. It is important to complete the entire course of treatment to ensure the infection is fully cleared. Due to increasing antibiotic resistance, treatment regimens may change, and sometimes a combination of antibiotics is necessary.

Prevention

To reduce the risk of contracting or spreading gonorrhea, the following measures can be effective:

• Use condoms during vaginal, anal, and oral sex
• Regular STI testing, especially if you have multiple sexual partners
• Open communication with sexual partners about sexual health and test results
• Abstaining from sexual activity with anyone showing symptoms of gonorrhea until they have been treated and symptoms have resolved

Gonorrhea is a serious infection that requires medical treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoid complications and prevent the spread of the infection.