What is Gonorrhea,Symptoms,Treatment,Test and Prevention

What is Gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmissible infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhea. It usually affects the genital area, although the throat or anus (back passage) may also be affected. Gonorrhea affects both men and women and is easily transmitted during vaginal sex. It can also be transmitted during anal or oral sex. 

Symptoms of gonorrhoea 

The symptoms of gonorrhea are slightly different in men and women. 

Symptoms of gonorrhoea in women

Often, women with gonorrhea experience no symptoms. This can lead to gonorrhoea going undetected for longer in women than in men (who more often experience symptoms), if not tested for regularly. 

Symptoms of gonorrhoea in women may include:

• an unusual discharge from the vagina
• pain while urinating
• pain during sex.

Symptoms of gonorrhoea in men

Gonorrhea commonly infects the inside of the penis (the urethra). Symptoms of gonorrhoea in men may include:

• a burning sensation while urinating
• a white or yellow pus-like discharge from the penis (may be observed in underwear)
• swelling and pain in the testicles, which can occur if the gonorrhea infection goes untreated.

In a small percentage of men there are no symptoms at all.

Symptoms of oral and anal gonorrhoea 

In both men and women:

• Anal gonorrhoea often occurs without signs or symptoms.
• Gonorrhea in the throat may cause a sore throat, however, it usually occurs without symptoms.

Treatment of gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is treated with antibiotics. Some strains of gonorrhea are now resistant to many antibiotics. 

Your GP will know what antibiotic to prescribe based on the current treatment guidelines. Tell your GP if you have been travelling overseas because many of the new resistant strains have originated outside Australia.

Untreated gonorrhoea can lead to infertility in women

If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can cause infertility. Symptoms of PID include: 

• lower abdominal pain and tenderness
• deep pain during sexual intercourse
• heavy and painful periods
• fever. 

Women who have had PID need to be especially careful about gonorrhoea and chlamydia, because the risk of infertility increases with each bout of inflammation, especially if left untreated for long periods.

Test for gonorrhea

Because gonorrhoea may not cause symptoms until PID has already developed, it is recommended that sexually active women who have recently had a change of sexual partner or feel they may be at risk of a sexually transmissible infection (STI) have a test for gonorrhoea.

Prevention of gonorrhoea

The best protection against gonorrhoea is to always use barrier protection such as condoms, female condoms and dams (a thin piece of latex placed over the anus or vulva during oral sex). Condoms and dams can be used for oro-vaginal sex and oro-anal sex to help prevent the spread of infection.

Where to get help?

If symptoms persist consult your doctor.

credit/source: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/gonorrhoea

All information are credited to the original writer's sources and references

Note: The information contained on this site is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as expert advice.