What Is Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that is also known as “the clap” or “drip.” It is a disease that is spread through sexual contact (STD). Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that affects both males and females. The urethra, rectum, or throat are the most commonly affected areas by gonorrhea. Gonorrhea can also infect the cervix in females.
Gonorrhea is most commonly transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Babies born to infected mothers can become infected during childbirth. The eyes are the most commonly affected by gonorrhea in infants. The best way to avoid sexually transmitted infections is to avoid sex. Use a condom if you do have sex and be in a mutually monogamous relationship.

Symptoms of Gonorrhea

Symptoms usually appear 2 to 14 days after exposure, however, some people who get gonorrhea never show any symptoms. It is important to remember that a person with gonorrhea who is asymptomatic, also known as an asymptomatic carrier, can still spread the infection. When a person has no visible symptoms, they are more likely to transmit gonorrhea to other partners.

Symptoms of Gonorrhea in Men

A person with a penis may not show symptoms for several weeks. Some men may never experience symptoms. Symptoms usually appear a week after transmission. In men, the first noticeable symptom is frequently a burning or painful sensation during urination.

Other symptoms that may appear as the disease progresses include:

• Pain or swelling in the testicles
• A lingering sore throat
• Increased urination frequency or urgency
• Swelling or redness at the opening of the penis, as well as
• A pus-like discharge (or drip) from the penis (white, yellow, beige, or greenish)

In rare cases, gonorrhea can continue to harm the body, particularly the urethra and testicles. After the symptoms have been treated, the condition will remain in the body for a few weeks. The pain could also spread to the rectum.

Symptoms of Gonorrhea in Women

Many people who have a vagina do not develop obvious gonorrhea symptoms. When they do develop symptoms, they are usually mild or similar to other diagnoses, making identification more difficult. Symptoms of gonorrhea can bring to mind those of common vaginal yeast or bacterial infections. Some of the common symptoms are:

• fever
• urinating pain or burning sensation
• urge to urinate more frequently
• heavier periods or spotting
• sore throat
• pain during sexual intercourse
• sharp pain in the lower abdomen
• discharge from the cervix (watery, creamy, or slightly green)

Causes of Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is caused by the bacteria N. gonorrhoeae. This bacteria thrives in warm, moist environments, and the infection can occur in any of the body’s mucous membranes, including those in the genitals, mouth, throat, eyes, and rectum. The gonorrhea bacteria are most commonly transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact, which can include oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse.

Risk Factors of Gonorrhea

Sexually active women under the age of 25 and men who have sex with men are at a higher risk of contracting gonorrhea. Other factors that can increase your risk are as follows:

• Getting a new sexual partner
• Having multiple sex partners
• Having a sex partner who has other relationships
• Possessing gonorrhea or another sexually transmitted infection

Complications of Gonorrhea

Women’s Infertility

People who have a vagina are more likely to develop long-term complications from an untreated transmission. If left untreated, the bacteria can make their way up the reproductive tract and into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can cause scarring of the tubes, as well as an increased risk of pregnancy complications and infertility. PID also necessitates immediate medical attention. Women may also experience fallopian tube blockage or scarring, which can prevent future pregnancy or result in ectopic pregnancy. This occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus.

Male Infertility

Gonorrhea can inflame the epididymis, a small, coiled tube in the back of the testicles where the sperm ducts are located (epididymitis). Infertility can result from untreated epididymitis.

HIV/AIDS Risk is Increased

Having gonorrhea increases your risk of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS. People who have both gonorrhea and HIV are more likely to transmit both diseases to their partners.

Gonorrhea Complications in Infants

Babies who contract gonorrhea from their mothers during childbirth can develop blindness, scalp sores, and infections. Infection that spreads to your joints and other body parts: The gonorrhea bacterium can spread through your bloodstream and infect other parts of your body, including your joints. Possible side effects include fever, rash, skin sores, joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.

How to Prevent Gonorrhea

If you Have Sex, Use a Condom

The most effective way to avoid gonorrhea is to avoid sex, however, if you do decide to have sex, use a condom during any type of sexual contact, including anal sex, oral sex, and vaginal sex.

Regular Gonorrhea Screening

Annual screening is recommended for sexually active women under the age of 25, as well as for older women who are at a higher risk of infection. Women who have a new sex partner, more than one sex partner, a sex partner with other partners, or a sex partner with a sexually transmitted infection are all included. Regular screening is also advised for men who have sex with men, as well as their partners.

Go for a Test

Check for sexually transmitted infections in both you and your partner. Get tested before having sex and share your results with each other.

Avoid Sex with Certain People

Don’t have sex with anyone who appears to be infected with a sexually transmitted infection such as burning during urination or a genital rash or sore.

Have Sex with Fewer People

Keep the number of sex partners to a minimum. Being in a monogamous relationship where neither partner has sex with anyone else can help reduce your risk.

How to Test for Gonorrhea

If you suspect you have gonorrhea, contact your healthcare provider to be tested for the sexually transmitted disease.

• A urine sample can be used to perform a common test for gonorrhea. The test looks for DNA from bacteria. This test does not include a pelvic examination for females and it does not require the use of a swab in the penis for males.
• Another gonorrhea test involves inserting a cotton swab into your cervix (females) or penis (males) for a few seconds and then sending it to a lab to look for gonorrhea bacteria.

How to Treat Gonorrhea

If antibiotics are taken as directed, they can relieve symptoms and possibly cure gonorrhea infections. There are two main antibiotic drugs used in this treatment; ceftriaxone which is given as an injection and oral azithromycin (Zithromax). Unfortunately, some gonorrhea bacteria do not respond to standard antibiotic treatment. Doctors refer to this as “antibiotic resistance.” For several years, they have seen an increase in these more powerful bacteria. If your symptoms persist a few days after treatment, consult your doctor again for a longer course of antibiotics.

Now that you Know…

Gonorrhea can cause a lot of discomfort and complications if not treated appropriately. Refrain from having sexual contact for at least seven days after finishing therapy to limit the chance of spreading gonorrhea to others. Also, encourage any sexual partners with whom you have had a sexual relationship within the last 60 days to see their own doctors for an evaluation. It is also important to note that if one with gonorrhea is in a romantic relationship, their partner should be tested for gonorrhea as well because gonorrhea can still be contracted while receiving gonorrhea treatment. If both partners are diagnosed with gonorrhea, they will be treated in the same way. Both must ensure to abstain from sexual activity until their treatment is completed and they are cured.