GONORRHEA
Gonorrhea is a venereal disease involving inflammatory discharge from the urethra or vagina.
Also known as “the clap”. It’s a common sexually transmitted disease that infect both men and women. It can cause infections in the genitals, rectum and throat. The rate of infection is common among teenagers and young adults.
Causes Of Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neustria Gonorrhea. The bacteria grow in warm, moist areas of the body, including the:
– Urethra
– Anus
– Eyes
– Throat
– Vagina
– Female reproductive tract (fallopian tubes, uterus and cervix).
Mode Of Transmission/Risk Factors
– Through unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal sex.
– It can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during delivery.
– Sharing sex toys.
– People with numerous sexual partners.
Signs And Symptoms
Men and women experience slightly different symptoms, but not all people infected with gonorrhea have symptoms especially women. The symptoms occur within 2-14days after exposure.
In women;
Fever
Pelvic and lower abdominal pain
Conjunctivitis (red, itchy eyes)
Vulvae swelling (vulvitis)
Anti-itching and sore throat
A watery, creamy or slightly green discharge
Painful sexual intercourse
Heavier periods and bleeding between periods
In Men;
White, yellow or green discharge from the penis
Red swollen testicles
Warm painful joint
Anal discharge, bleeding or pain while stooling
Painful or burning sensation while urinating
Eye pain, light sensitivity and eye discharge
Sore throat, itching, swollen neck lymph nodes
Diagnosis
Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) (urine or body fluid test)
Gonorrhea culture (swab the infected site rectum, cervix, throat, urethra or eye)
Vaginal swabs
Analysis of sample cells
Identify the genetically bacteria in the laboratory
Treatment
Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotic either given orally (as a pill) or as an injection. Some gonorrhea is becoming resistant to antibiotics. It is advisable to avoid sex until you and your partner have both finished the treatment to avoid reinfection.
Prevention
– Practice safer sex alternatives
– Use of condom correctly every time you have sex
– Limit the number of sex partners
– Abstaining from sex
– Avoid touching your eyes
Complication
Gonorrhea is easily treated, but when it is not can be a serious health threat for both men and women. During pregnancy it can result in;
Ectopic pregnancy (where the baby begins to grow outside the womb)
Premature labor and still birth.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) .Some of the complications of PID are;
Formation of scar tissue that blocks the Fallopian tube
Infertility (inability to get pregnant)
Long term pelvic or abdominal pain
Arthritis and skin sores.
Gonorrhea can also be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her baby during a vaginal delivery. In babies, a gonorrhea infection may cause: Blindness, Joint infection, life-threatening blood infection etc
Reference
www.webmd.boots.com. Retrieved 16th September 2016 at 07:24pm
www.cdc.gov/std. Retrieved 16th September 2016 at 09:10pm
www.medicalnewstoday.com. Retrieved 17th September 2016 at 01:11am
www.sexualhealthscotland.co.uk. Retrieved 17th September 2016 at 01:30am
