Gonorrhoea: Causes, symptoms, Treatment & prevention.

Gonorrhea is a common and treatable infection that spreads through sexual contact and affects many people around the world each year and is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. It spreads through unprotected sexual contact and can infect the genitals, rectum, throat or eyes.

What is Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can affect both men and women and is usually spread through vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected person.

The infection usually targets the genital area but can also impact the rectum, throat or eyes. Many people with gonorrhea may not show symptoms, making it easy to spread without knowing. Without treatment, the infection can become serious health problems like infertility and increased risk of HIV. Knowing the symptoms, causes and treatment options can help you protect yourself and others.

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What Causes Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is an infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria that spreads from one person to another during unprotected sexual contact includes vaginal, oral and anal sex. The bacteria can be found in body fluids like semen and vaginal secretions.

If a woman has gonorrhea during pregnancy, she can pass the infection to her baby during childbirth, which may lead to eye infections or other health issues for the newborn.

What Are the Symptoms of Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is an infection that doesn't always show clear signs. When it appears, the symptoms can be different depending on where in the body the infection is located.

Symptoms of Gonorrhea Infection in Men

A burning sensation while urinating
Swelling or pain in one testicle
A thick, yellowish discharge from the penis

Symptoms of Gonorrhea Infection in Women

Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis
More vaginal discharge than usual
Bleeding between periods
Painful urination
Pain during sex

Symptoms in Both Men and Women

Rectal symptoms: You might experience discharge, itching, soreness or pain while having a bowel movement.
Throat infection: This can include a sore throat or you might not feel any symptoms at all.

Usually, symptoms show up between 2 to 14 days after being exposed, but some people might not notice any signs for weeks or they may not experience any symptoms at all.

What Are the Risk Factors for Gonorrhea?

You may be at higher risk of getting gonorrhea if you:

Are sexually active and under the age of 25
Have multiple sexual partners
Have a new sexual partner
Have a history of other STIs
Don't use condoms regularly
A man who has sex with men.

How is Gonorrhea Diagnosed?

Doctors can check for gonorrhea using some simple tests that look for the bacteria causing the infection:

Urine test: This test checks your urine and is used for both men and women to find gonorrhea in the urinary system.
Swab test: In this test, a small sample is taken from areas like the cervix (for women), urethra (for men), throat or rectum, depending on where the doctors think the infection might be.

If you are sexually active and at risk of getting gonorrhea, it's a good idea to get tested regularly, even if you're not feeling any symptoms.

Gonorrhoea Treatment

Gonorrhea is treatable with prescription antibiotics. The current recommended treatment is:

Antibiotics: The doctors use antibiotics like ceftriaxone and azithromycin to kill the bacteria that cause gonorrhoea.
A single injection of ceftriaxone.

Itâ€™s important to follow your doctorâ€™s instructions and avoid sexual activity for at least 7 days after treatment. Your sexual partners should also get tested and treated to avoid reinfection.

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How to Prevent Gonorrhoea?

Here are some simple ways to protect yourself from gonorrhea:

Use protection: Always use condoms during sex, whether itâ€™s anal, oral or vaginal. This is one of the best ways to keep yourself safe.
Limit sexual partners: The fewer sexual partners you have, the lower your chances of getting gonorrhea.
Avoid partners with symptoms: If someone has signs of a sexually transmitted infection like unusual discharge or pain, it's best to avoid having sex with them.
Get Tested regularly: If you're sexually active, make it a habit to get tested once a year, especially if you have multiple partners or if your partner has had a sexually transmitted infection (STI)

Frequently Asked Questions

One of the earliest signs of gonorrhoea is a burning sensation when peeing. An increase in the frequency of urination may accompany this discomfort.

You can test for gonorrhoea at home with STD test kits. It includes a container for a urine sample sent to a lab. Consult your doctor for guidance.

If you have symptoms of gonorrhoea, it can be normal in a few days. Any pain in your pelvis or testicles might take up to 2 weeks to go away completely.

Antibiotics are used to treat gonorrhoea. Commonly prescribed antibiotics include ceftriaxone and azithromycin.

You can avoid gonorrhea by using condoms properly during sex and getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) regularly.

Yes, anyone who is sexually active can contract gonorrhea, no matter their age, gender or sexual preference

Yes, gonorrhea can be cured with the right treatment. It's important to talk to a doctor to get a proper treatment plan.

No, gonorrhea is mainly spread through sexual contact and is not transmitted through casual activities like kissing or sharing food.