Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It primarily affects the genital tract, rectum, and throat and can infect individuals of any gender. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious reproductive health complications and increase the risk of other infections.
Causes & How Gonorrhea Develops
Gonorrhea spreads through sexual contact with an infected person, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. The bacteria thrive in the mucous membranes of the reproductive tract, leading to inflammation and symptoms.
Common risk factors include:
- Unprotected sex, including with multiple partners.
- History of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Sexual contact with an infected person, even if they show no symptoms.
- Lack of regular STI testing, increasing the risk of undetected infections.
Common Symptoms of Gonorrhea
Many people with gonorrhea experience mild or no symptoms, making early detection difficult. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
In Women:
- Increased vaginal discharge.
- Pain or burning during urination.
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially between periods.
- Lower abdominal pain.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
In Men:
- Painful urination.
- White, yellow, or green penile discharge.
- Swelling or pain in the testicles (less common).
In Rectal Gonorrhea:
- Rectal discharge.
- Itching and discomfort.
- Bleeding or pain during bowel movements.
How Gonorrhea is Diagnosed
Gonorrhea is diagnosed through clinical symptoms and laboratory tests. Common diagnostic methods include:
- Urine tests, to detect bacterial DNA.
- Swab tests, from the throat, rectum, or genital area.
- Culture tests, to confirm infection and assess resistance.
Gonorrhea Treatments & Management
Gonorrhea requires prompt medical treatment to prevent complications. Common approaches include:
- Medical treatments, aimed at eliminating the bacterial infection.
- Partner notification and testing, to prevent reinfection.
- Abstaining from sexual activity until treatment is completed.
Supportive care may also include:
- Using condoms to reduce transmission risk.
- Getting tested regularly, especially for sexually active individuals.
- Seeking medical follow-up, to ensure the infection is fully resolved.
Possible Complications of Gonorrhea
If untreated, gonorrhea can lead to severe complications, including:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, causing infertility.
- Epididymitis in men, leading to pain and possible infertility.
- Increased risk of contracting other STIs, including HIV.
- Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI), where bacteria spread to joints or blood, causing severe illness.
How to Prevent Gonorrhea
Preventing gonorrhea involves safe sexual practices and regular STI screenings. Key preventive measures include:
- Consistently using condoms or dental dams during sexual activity.
- Limiting the number of sexual partners to reduce exposure risk.
- Getting tested regularly, especially if sexually active with new or multiple partners.
- Encouraging open communication with partners about STI testing and status.
Trivia About Gonorrhea
- Gonorrhea has been known since ancient times, with references dating back to the Middle Ages.
- Nicknamed “the clap”, possibly derived from an old French word meaning “brothel” or from the painful clapping technique used to clear discharge in historical treatments.
- Gonorrhea can infect the throat and eyes, though genital infections are most common.
- Some strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae are becoming resistant, making prevention and early treatment more crucial.
- In rare cases, newborns can contract gonorrhea during childbirth, leading to eye infections.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. It is intended to share general knowledge about gonorrhea in an easy-to-understand way. If you have health concerns, consult a qualified medical professional for guidance.