Gonorrhea continues to be one of the most widespread sexually transmitted infections.
Caused by the bacterium Neisseria Gonorrhoeae, it is common, and becoming more difficult to treat.
Symptoms of Gonorrhea normally appear less than a week after infection. However in men, symptoms may take up to a month to appear. Some people do not have symptoms. They may be completely unaware that they have caught the infection, and therefore do not seek treatment. This increases the risk of complications and the chances of passing the infection on to another person.
Symptoms in men include:
Burning pain while urinating.
Increased urinary frequency or urgency.
Discharge from the penis (white, yellow, or green in color)
Red or swollen opening of penis (urethra)
Tender or swollen testicles.
Symptoms in women can be very mild or non specific, and may be mistaken for another type of infection. They can include:
Vaginal discharge
Burning pain during urination.
Increased frequency of urination.
Sore throat
Painful sexual intercourse
Severe pain in lower abdomen (if the infection has spread to the fallopian tubes and stomach area)
Fever (if the infection spreads to the fallopian tubes and/or stomach area)
Gonorrhea is transmitted by all kinds
of sexual activity. Vaginal, anal, oral sex, with or without ejaculation, can result in the transmission of the infection. It can also be transmitted from mother to unborn baby.
Treatment for Gonorrhea is becoming more difficult due to development of resistance to antibiotics. Presently a combination of 2 or more antibiotic drugs is proving most successful. But looking to the future, research will have to come up with something new, as this infection shows no sign of decline.
Latex condoms can help avoid infection by Gonorrhea.
