Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can occur in both males and females. Common symptoms are abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis or pain during urination. The condition is curable with antibiotic treatment. If left untreated or inappropriately treated, the infection may progress, and serious complications may ensue.

Causes

Gonorrhea is due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterial infection, which can spread through sexual contact via vaginal/penile, oral, or rectal sex. Gonorrheal transmission can occur even without ejaculation. You cannot get infected by touching objects like a toilet seat.

Risk factors

An individual with gonorrhea can transmit the infection even without any symptoms. So, the infection risk is higher if he/she has more than one sexual partner or has other co-incidental STDs.

Symptoms

Gonorrhea can be asymptomatic. In symptomatic person, the symptoms may vary depending on the site of infection, e.g., urethra, genital area, rectum, or throat.   

Women may have symptoms as follows:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge.
• Vaginal spotting.
• Vulvar itching.
• Rectal discharge.
• Painful urination or bowel movement.

Men may develop symptoms such as:

• Painful urination.
• Milky, white discharge from the penis.
• Swollen testicle.

Symptoms from anal sex, e.g., in men who have sex with men, may include rectal discharge.

Diagnosis

The doctor will obtain a vaginal or cervical swab in women or a urine sample in men for gram stain to search for the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria, culture, or nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) to help make the diagnosis.   

Complications

• Increased risk of HIV infection.
• Bloodstream infection, accompanied by joint infection and inflammation
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can lead to fallopian tube scarring and a higher risk of infertility and ectopic pregnancy
• Epididymitis, leading to male infertility
• Miscarriage or premature birth
• If gonorrhea infection occurs during pregnancy, newborns whose mothers have gonorrhea at the time of delivery may have conjunctivitis.

Treatment

• The doctor will prescribe an antibiotic shot to treat gonorrhea. If symptoms continue, seek immediate medical care because the bacteria could be an antibiotic-resistant strain. Abstain from having sex at least seven days after the treatment to prevent being reinfected.
• Because the risk of contracting other STDs is higher, it is recommended to re-visit the doctor for a follow-up and has a screening test for other STDs 3 months after treatment.

Prevention

• Always use a condom when having sexual intercourse.
• Avoid having sex if you or your partner has an abnormal discharge from genitalia or a burning sensation when urinating.
• If one has a risk factor, consider seeking regular screening for STDs even without any symptoms.