What is Gonorrhea? An Overview
Gonorrhea, also known as “the clap,” is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is primarily spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. The infection can affect both men and women. Gonorrhea can be transmitted between partners, even if symptoms are not present. It can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth, leading to potential health complications. Gonorrhea most usually affects the urethra, rectum, or throat. In females, gonorrhea can also infect the cervix. Here’s a complete guide to Gonorrhea
Causes of Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is commonly spread during vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse. Infants of infected mothers may catch this disease in the course of childbirth. In babies, gonorrhea commonly affects the eyes. Gonorrhea is transmitted by:
- Having a new sex accomplice
- Having a sex accomplice who has different partners
- Having gonorrhea from other sexually transmitted infections.
Gonorrhea Symptoms
Gonorrhea contamination causes no signs. But, can affect many areas of your body, which is commonly seen in the genital tract.
In Males
- Painful urination
- Pus-like discharge from the top of the penis
- Pain or swelling in a single testicle.
In Females
- Expanded vaginal discharge
- Painful urination
- Vaginal bleeding between intervals, which includes after vaginal sex
- Stomach or pelvic pain.
Complete Guide to Gonorrhea Risk Factors
Sexually active men and women younger than 25 are at extended hazard of having gonorrhea. This can make them vulnerable to many other diseases too, and can cause other body parts to change their normal functions:
Rectum – Gonorrhea can cause pus-like discharge from the rectum, spots of blood on lavatory tissue, and strain at some stage in bowel movements.
Eyes – It can cause eye pain, sensitivity to light, and pus-like discharge from one or both eyes.
Throat – A throat contamination would possibly encompass a sore throat and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
Joints – If one or extra joints turn out to be infected by way of septic arthritis. The affected joint is warm, purple, swollen, and extraordinarily painful, during movement.
Diagnosis
Make an appointment with your physician in case you notice any troubling signs and symptoms or signs and symptoms, together with a burning sensation while you urinate or a pus-like discharge out of your penis, vagina, or rectum.
Testing and treatment for gonorrhea are typically confidential. Healthcare providers are committed to protecting your privacy, and it is important to be open and honest with them to ensure appropriate care.
Treatment
You could not experience signs or symptoms that may cause you to ask for medical attention. However, without a remedy, you may reinfect your accomplice even after she or he has been treated for gonorrhea.
A dose of 500 mg of intramuscular ceftriaxone.
Alternative medicines are available if ceftriaxone can not be used to treat urogenital or rectal gonorrhea.
Clear-cut gonorrhea is dealt with with the antibiotic ceftriaxone given as an injection with oral azithromycin (Zithromax).
Prevention
To lessen your gonorrhea chance:
Use a condom if you have intercourse. Abstaining from intercourse is the ideal manner to prevent gonorrhea. however, if you select to have sex, use a condom at some stage in any sort of sexual touch, which includes anal sex, oral intercourse, or vaginal intercourse.
Limit your quantity of sex partners. Being in a monogamous relationship wherein neither associate has sex with everyone else can decrease your hazard.
If diagnosed with gonorrhea, it is essential to notify recent sexual partners so they can also seek testing and treatment. This helps prevent the spread of the infection.
Don’t have intercourse with someone who appears to have a sexually transmitted infection. In case your partner has signs or symptoms of a sexually transmitted contamination, together with burning in the course of urination, or pus or blood, abstain from him/her immediately.
Gonorrhea Facts
Potential Complications: If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious complications in both men and women. In women, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can result in infertility and ectopic pregnancies. In men, untreated gonorrhea may lead to epididymitis, a painful condition affecting the testicles. Additionally, it increases the risk of contracting or transmitting HIV.
Antibiotic Resistance: Over time, the STI has developed resistance to various antibiotics, making treatment more challenging. It is crucial to seek timely medical attention for accurate diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment.
Newborns at Risk: Pregnant women with untreated gonorrhea can transmit the infection to their newborn during childbirth, potentially causing serious complications. It is important for pregnant women to receive regular prenatal care, including STI testing.
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