Overview
Gonorrhea is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can infect various parts of the body, including the urethra, rectum, female reproductive tract, mouth, throat, or eyes. Primarily spread through sexual contact, gonorrhea can also be transmitted to newborns during childbirth.
Types of Gonorrhea
- Urogenital Gonorrhea: Affects the genitals and urinary tract.
- Rectal Gonorrhea: Occurs when the bacteria infect the rectum.
- Pharyngeal Gonorrhea: Involves infection of the throat and oral cavity.
- Ocular Gonorrhea: Affects the eyes, often seen in newborns exposed during birth.
Causes of Gonorrhea
- Bacterial Transmission: Spread through sexual contact with infected fluids (vaginal, oral, anal).
- Vertical Transmission: Newborns can acquire gonorrhea from infected mothers during childbirth.
Risk Factors of Gonorrhea
- Multiple Sexual Partners: Increases exposure to infected individuals.
- Unprotected Sex: Lack of condom use during sexual activity.
- Young Age: Higher incidence among sexually active young adults.
- Previous Gonorrhea Infection: Increases susceptibility to re-infection.
Symptoms of Gonorrhea
1. Urogenital Symptoms: Painful urination
Unusual genital discharge (yellowish or greenish)
Testicular or pelvic pain.
2. Rectal Symptoms: Rectal pain
Discharge or bleeding from the rectum.
3. Pharyngeal Symptoms: Sore throat
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
4. Ocular Symptoms (in newborns): Redness and swelling of the eyes
Discharge from the eyes.
Preventions of Gonorrhea
- Abstinence: Avoiding sexual activity prevents transmission.
- Condom Use: Consistent and correct use of condoms reduces the risk significantly.
- Mutual Monogamy: Being in a relationship where both partners are uninfected and faithful.
- Screening and Early Detection: Regular STI screenings can help detect and treat gonorrhea early.
Diagnosis of Gonorrhea
- Physical Examination: Assessing symptoms and sexual history.
- Laboratory Tests: Urine, swab, or blood tests to detect N. gonorrhoeae.
- Cultural Tests: Growing bacteria in a lab to confirm diagnosis.
- NAATs (Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests): Highly sensitive tests for detecting bacterial DNA.
Treatment for Gonorrhea
- Antibiotics: Typically treated with dual therapy (ceftriaxone plus azithromycin).
- Partner Notification: Informing sexual partners to get tested and treated.
- Follow-up Testing: Confirming eradication of the infection.
- Prevention Education: Counseling on safer sex practices.
When to seek medical attention ?
- Symptoms: Any signs of gonorrhea infection, especially after unprotected sexual activity.
- Partner Notification: If a sexual partner has been diagnosed with gonorrhea.
- Pregnancy: Concerns about vertical transmission to the baby.
