Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a bacterium that can grow and multiply easily in the warm, moist areas of the reproductive tract, including the cervix, uterus (womb), and fallopian tubes in women, and in the urethra in women and men. It affects both men and women and can infect the cervix, urethra, rectum, anus and throat. Virtually any mucous membrane can be infected by this highly infectious, gram-negative diplococcal organism.

How is it transmitted?

Although any sexually active person can get gonorrhea, it is most prevalent among those from 15 to 30. Ejaculation does not have to occur for gonorrhea to be transmitted or acquired. Gonorrhea can also be spread from mother to baby during delivery. A girl who has gonorrhea may have no symptoms at all or her symptoms may be so mild that she doesn’t notice them until they become more severe. Guys who have gonorrhea are much more likely to notice symptoms, although a guy can have gonorrhea and not know it.

Symptoms Of Gonorrhea:

In Men:

• a white or yellow discharge from the penis.

• Burning or pain when peeing or defecating (pooping)

• frequent urination

• swelling of the glands in the groin

In Women:

• abnormal bleeding

• Painful bowel movements

• a burning sensation or pain whilst passing urine.

• Vaginal bleeding between periods

• general irritation of the outer area of the vagina

What If you do not treat gonorrhea ?

Following condition may results if it is not treated.

Women:

• Infertility

• PID

• Miscarriages

• Irregular periods, and long lasting period problems

Men:

• Redness or swelling of the penis and testicles

• Infertility

Treatment Of Gonorrhea:

There are antibiotic treatments that are effective in treating gonorrhea. Several antibiotics can successfully cure gonorrhea in adolescents and adults. If the patient is allergic to any antibiotics, or if there is any possibility that they may be pregnant, it is very important that the doctor is informed as this may affect treatment options. Once a course of treatment is started it is important to complete it, even if symptoms diminish, to ensure the infection is cured.

The CDC recommends several treatment options which include:

• Cefixime 400 mg

• Ciprofloxacin 500 mg

• Doxycycline 100 mg

How to Reduce your risk ?

The surest way to avoid transmission of STDs is to abstain from sexual intercourse, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected. Using latex or polyurethrane condoms during sex can reduce the chances of getting or passing on gonorrhea. Remember that most people with an STI don’t know they have it. The only way to know for sure is to get tested at your doctor’s office or a clinic.