Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection that can lead to serious complications, especially in women. 700,000 new cases are reported yearly, making it the second most reported infection in the US. Cases of gonorrhea are reportedly common among adolescents, African-Americans, people of low socio-economic status, and drug users.
Cause:
Gonorrhea is caused by an infectious agent called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The infection is transmitted through direct sexual contact and can infect the penis, vagina, and even the anus during anal penetration. Gonorrhea can also infect the throat through oral sex. Usually, the incubation period lasts from 2-10 days, while on some times, the infection will show manifestations as early as 2-4 days. Mothers can transmit the infection through delivery, causing multifocal infection in the eyes and throat of the baby.
Signs and Symptoms
Gonorrhea has the following clinical manifestations depending on the person and body parts infected. For males, the classical signs and symptoms are:
Painful urination as the infection affects the urethra
There is presence of a yellowish or greenish pus-like discharge at the tip of the penis that is foul-smelling.
There is presence of scrotal enlargement if the infection reaches the testes.
In women, the signs and symptoms of gonorrhea are:
Increased vaginal discharge that foul smelling and greenish.
Painful urination
Vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods and during intercourse
Presence of abdominal or pelvic pain that indicates spread of infection throughout the reproductive system
If the infection is at the anal area:
Pus-like discharge from the rectum that is greenish and foul-smelling
Anal itching
Anal bleeding that his seen when the rectum is wiped
Difficulty is experienced during bowel movement, leading to straining.
Infection at the throat will manifest:
Sore throat
Swollen lymph nodes located at the neck area
Infection of the eyes will show:
Greenish pus draining from the eye
Eye pain
Photophobia or sensitivity to light
On the other hand, around 30%-40% of cases of gonorrhea are asymptomatic, especially in females.
Treatment
Antibiotics are prescribed to treat gonorrhea. The problem with some medications for gonorrhea is that the bacteria have developed resistance due to indiscriminate use. People often stop the medication once the symptoms desist, a practice that is most discouraged by physicians. Third-generation cephalosporin antibiotics are often prescribed to resolve the infection. These medications are taken orally for 7-10 days, depending on the doctor’s prescription. For severe cases, these medications are given via injection intramuscularly.
When you are diagnosed with gonorrhea, it is important that your partner must also be treated at the same time as you. This will help prevent the onset of swinging or ping pong infection. Because you are getting treated, you will only be re-infected because your partner is not yet cured.
Pregnant mothers are at risk of transmitting the infection to their babies through passage in the birth canal. To prevent cross infection, the baby must be delivered through cesarean section and instilled with 1% erythromycin in the eye. The baby is closely monitored for possible presence of gonorrhea for it can cause pneumonia.
If you suspect that you have gonorrhea, you must go to your physician for immediate diagnosis and treatment. Gonorrhea can cause several complications such as infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease. Be sure to stick to your treatment regimen and complete the duration even though symptoms have disappeared.
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