What is Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It primarily affects the mucous membranes of the reproductive tract but can also infect the mouth, throat, eyes, and rectum.
How is Gonorrhea Transmitted?
Gonorrhea is primarily transmitted through
sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby during childbirth, leading to complications such as neonatal conjunctivitis.
Increased vaginal discharge
Painful urination
Vaginal bleeding between periods
Abdominal or pelvic pain
Pain during sexual intercourse
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which can cause chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy.
Increased risk of acquiring or transmitting
HIV.
Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI), which can affect joints and skin.
How is Gonorrhea Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of gonorrhea typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests. Common diagnostic methods include:
Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs), which are highly sensitive and specific.
Culture tests, which can determine antibiotic susceptibility.
Urine tests or swabs from the cervix, urethra, throat, or rectum.
What is the Treatment for Gonorrhea?
The standard treatment for gonorrhea involves antibiotics. Due to increasing
antibiotic resistance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends dual therapy, usually a combination of an injection of ceftriaxone and oral azithromycin. It is crucial for sexual partners to be treated simultaneously to prevent reinfection.
Consistent and correct use of
condoms during sexual activity.
Regular STI screening, particularly for sexually active women under 25 and those with new or multiple sex partners.
Open communication with sexual partners about STI testing and histories.
Reducing the number of sexual partners.
What Should I Do If I Suspect I Have Gonorrhea?
If you suspect you have gonorrhea or have been exposed to it, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and reduce the risk of transmission to others.
