Gonorrhea

There are many sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like gonorrhea, which is very common among sexually active people and it leads to severe complications if isn’t treated.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that’s caused by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Gonorrhea is the second most common STI after chlamydia, and it could affect people at any age.

Causes of gonorrhea

Gonorrhea transmits through any type of sexual connection, and it also transmits from the pregnant mother to her fetus.

Symptoms of gonorrhea

In many cases, gonorrhea doesn’t cause any symptoms, and the infection might affect other organs in addition to the reproductive ones.

Symptoms in women:

• Pelvic or abdominal pain.
• Abnormal white or yellow discharges.
• Bleeding between periods.
• Pain during intercourse.
• Pain during urination.

Symptoms in men:

• White, yellow, or green discharges form the penis.
• Pain and swelling in the testicles.
• Pain and burning during urination.

Other symptoms in both genders:

• Eyes: pain, pus-like discharges, and light sensitivity.
• Throat: swollen lymph nodes in the neck and sore throat.
• Rectum: itchiness, pus-like discharges, mild bleeding, and the need to strain during defecating.

Complications of gonorrhea

Gonorrhea might lead to severe complications if it isn’t treated, and they include the following:

• Infertility in both genders.
• The infection might transmit to other parts of the reproductive system in women, which might lead to a pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Pregnancy problems, such as ectopic pregnancy.
• Inflammation in the testicles and prostate in men.
• Scarring in the urethra in men.
• Swelling, redness, and pain in the joints.
• Increased risk of having HIV.
• Complications in the fetus, such as vision loss.

Diagnosis of gonorrhea

The diagnosis is done through a urine test or a swab from the infected area.

Treatment of gonorrhea

• Gonorrhea is treated with specific antibiotics.
• The patient mustn’t have intercourse until complete recovery.
• You can prevent getting infected with gonorrhea by using protection during intercourse.