Gonorrhea is an infectious ailment caused by the bacterial microbe known as Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is a sexually transmitted disease that affects both men and women, being commonly spread by means of oral, anal and vaginal intercourse.
Gonorrhea invariably results in pain and inflammation in the urethra and rectum. In women, it also afflicts the cervix.
Certain factors predispose individuals to contracting gonorrhea, such as recently engaging in sex with a new partner, having multiple sexual partners, as well as exposure to frequent sexual contact below the age of 25 years.
Gonorrhea can give rise to serious complications including infertility in women and men, infections that spread to other parts of the body like the bones, joints, autoimmune disorders like HIV/AIDS as well as birth defects in the newborn. Also Read: World AIDS Day 2019: All You Need To Know About HIV
It is hence advised to immediately seek medical care once symptoms of gonorrhea are detected, so as to ensure proper treatment and speedy recovery of the affected individual.
Symptoms
The characteristic symptoms of gonorrhea comprise:
In men:
- Pain while urinating
- Release of pus from the penis
- Bulging of the testicle
In women:
- Increase in fluid discharge from the vagina
- Discomfort while excreting urine
- Bleeding from the vagina between menstrual cycles
- Severe aching in the abdominal and pelvic regions
Diagnosis And Treatment
The doctor conducts a series of analyses to confirm if the patient is infected with gonorrhoea. He or she collects a sample of the urine, to analyse if it contains any infectious residues, by extracting the protein portions from the liquid.
The medical expert also pricks a portion of tissue from the urethra and rectum, or even the vagina in case of women, to identify if any bacterial strains are present by probing it under a microscope.
Since acquiring gonorrhoea increases the chances of obtaining other sexual diseases like chlamydia, the doctor also screens for these ailments, besides scanning to see if the patient might be positive for HIV-AIDS as well.
Treatment for gonorrhoea usually comprises a struct course of antibiotics, which are administered in the form of an injection, as well as prescribed by the healthcare provider, to be taken orally, like tablets.
The best way to avoid gonorrhea infections and stay disease-free is prevention. Following some basic personal hygiene measures, such as cleansing the pubic regions thoroughly while taking a bath every day with soap or sanitizing liquid, helps in avoiding the growth of microbes in the region of the body. Also Read: Female Hygiene: 10 Simple And Effective Ways To Maintain Vaginal Health
Furthermore, using condoms and engaging in protected sexual contact as well as limiting the number of sexual partners assists in curbing the transmission of this infectious disease.
