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Gonorrhoea: Symptoms, Treatment and Complications


Gonorrhea is a highly contagious sexually transmitted (STD) bacterial infection, colloquially referred to as ‘the clap.’ The nickname refers to an outdated procedure to clear the blockage of gonorrhea pus in the urethra: the penis would be ‘clapped’ on both sides simultaneously. Although this treatment is not used anymore, gonorrhea remains characterized by the thick discharge from the penis or vagina. The bacterium called Neisseria Gonorrhoea infects the rectum, throat, eyes, blood, skin, or joints.

How is it transmitted?


Gonorrhea spreads through semen or vaginal fluids during unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, or oral sex). It is less commonly transmitted by sharing sex toys or touching parts of the body with fingers.
Gonorrhea tends to infect warm, moist areas of the body, like the urethra, eyes, throat, vagina, anus, and female reproductive tract.

Even though it is spread through sex, gonorrhea may be transmitted by very close physical contact, either hand-to-hand or at birth, from a mother to her baby.

However, one cannot become infected by sharing baths, towels, cups, kissing, or sitting on unclean toilet seats.

Symptoms


There are normally no symptoms during the first 2 weeks of infection. What is worse, 1 out of 2 women and 1 out of 10 men will have no symptoms at all.

Women’s symptoms can include a strong-smelling discharge from the vagina that may appear thin and watery or a yellow-greenish color. Other symptoms are frequent urination, pain, or a burning sensation when urinating, sometimes with nausea, and pain between periods.

Men are most likely to experience pain during urination and ejaculation from the penis as the first signs of the infection. The penis may become inflamed, and the prostate gland and the testicles irritated. There may also be a thick white, yellow, or green discharge at the tip of the penis. Men may also show symptoms of irritation or discharge from the anus.

Other general symptoms can include:

•             Frequent micturition
•             Sore throat
•             Painful intercourse
•             Sharp pain in the lower abdomen
•             Fever

The infection can remain in the body for a few weeks after treatment. If serious, the infection can cause damage to the urethra and testicles.

Testing


A swab test is performed by collecting fluid from the vagina and penis. This may be uncomfortable. A swab may be taken from the entrance to the womb or the urethra, as well as the throat or rectum. Alternatively, a urine test may be conducted. Women can also opt for an internal examination.

Treatment


Early treatment is simple and effective. The patient is administered a single oral dose of Azithromycin or an antibiotic injection of Cefltriazone in the buttocks.

As the strains of gonorrhea are becoming more antibiotic-resistant, a 7-day course of antibiotic treatment may be needed.

Because it is common to have chlamydia with gonorrhea, it is wise to test for both, having both infections treated simultaneously. During treatment, sexual intercourse should be avoided.

Complications


If gonorrhea is not treated, it can spread through the bloodstream, affecting other parts of the body. Untreated, the complications leave women at greater risk. A condition known as a pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can develop, causing severe and chronic pain and damaging the female reproductive organs. This can lead to reduced fertility or infertility, as well as long-term pelvic pain. Other complications include life-threatening problems such as blocked fallopian tubes, or ectopic pregnancy, in which the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.

Gonorrhea infection may be passed on to a newborn baby during delivery. 

For men, the complications can include painful inflammation of the testicles and scarring of the urethra. Also, men can develop a painful abscess inside the penis. This can cause reduced fertility or sterility.

A general complication for both men and women is the possibility of developing arthritis, brain damage, spinal cord damage, or even heart disease.

Prevention


Young people are generally at a higher risk. It is advisable to use protection during intercourse. Condoms do act as a protective barrier against gonorrhea bacteria; however, a spermicide will not prevent a person from becoming infected with this disease.

It should also be mentioned that abstaining from sex until after treatment has been completed is essential. It is vital that partners be treated as well to prevent reinfection.






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