GONORRHEA

Gonorrhea is caused by Gonococcus, a bacterium that grows and multiplies quickly in moist, warm areas of the body such as the cervix, urethra, mouth, or rectum. In women, the cervix is the most common site of infection. However, the disease can be spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Gonorrhea is most commonly spread during genital contact, but it can also be passed from the genitals of one partner to the throat of the other during oral sex. Gonorrhea of the rectum can occur in people who practice anal intercourse and may also occur in women due to spread of the infection from the vaginal area.

SYMPTOMS

The early symptoms of gonorrhea often are mild, and most women who are infected have no symptoms. If symptoms of gonorrhea develop, they usually appear within 2 to 10 days after sexual contact with an infected partner, although a small percentage of patients may be infected for several months without showing symptoms.

Women

  • painful or burning during urination
  • abnormal vaginal discharge
  • abdominal pain
  • vomiting
  • fever


    • Men
  • painful or burning during urination
  • discharge from penis
  • anal itching
  • painful bowel movements


    • DIAGNOSIS

    The culture test, preferred method for women, involves placing a sample of the discharge onto a culture plate and incubation it for up to 2 days to allow the bacterium to multiply.

    The gram test, preferred method for men involves placing a smear of the discharge on a slide for the analysis of the presence of the gonococcus.

    COMPLICATIONS

    If gonorrhea is not treated, the bacteria can spread to the bloodstream and infect the joints, heart valves, or the brain. The most common consequence of gonorrhea, is PID(a serious infection of the female reproductive organs). Also, it can prevent the proper passage of the fertilized egg into the uterus, the egg may implant in the fallopian tube causing an ectopic or tubal pregnancy, which is life-threatening to the mother if not detected early.

    TREATMENT

    Ampicillin, Amoxicillin, or Penicillin are used for the treatment of gonorrhea. Gonerrhea often occurs with chlamydial infections, therefore, doctors usually prescribe a combination of antibiotics, such as Ceftriaxone and Doxycycline, to treat both diseases.

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