What is Gonorrhea ?
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae that affects the mucous membranes of the urethra, rectum, reproductive tract, mouth, throat, or eyes. It spreads primarily through vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
Symptoms of Gonorrhea
- 1. Painful urination
- 2. Unusual genital discharge (white, yellow, or green)
- 3. Rectal discharge or bleeding
- 4. Pelvic or lower abdominal pain (in women)
- 5. Testicular pain or swelling (in men)
- 6. Sore throat (if oral infection)
- 7. Eye redness, pain, or discharge
The Main Impacts of Gonorrhea on Your Health
Gonorrhea can cause infertility by leading to PID in women and damaging sperm ducts in men. It may also cause chronic pain, pregnancy complications like miscarriage or newborn infections, and increase HIV risk. Many cases are asymptomatic, allowing silent transmission. If untreated, gonorrhea can spread to the bloodstream, causing disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI), which may affect joints, skin, and, in rare cases, the heart or brain. Growing antibiotic resistance further complicates treatment, making early detection and prompt care essential.
Consult Our Infectious Disease Specialist
- Dr. Nopporn Apiwattanakul, MD : Specializes in infectious diseases with a focus on gonorrhea diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Book Appointment
- Dr. Azela Glady, MBBS : Board-certified infectious disease specialist specializing in gonorrhea and STI management. Book Appointment
- Dr. Alla Zaentc, MD : Experienced infectious disease specialist known for a compassionate approach to STI care. Book Appointment
Importance and Benefits of Consulting a Infectious Disease Specialist Online
Consulting an infectious disease specialist is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of gonorrhea, especially as antibiotic resistance continues to rise. Gonorrhea cases are rising worldwide, with Europe experiencing a significant increase in recent years. In the United States, certain cities report high infection rates, while countries in Africa, such as South Africa, Botswana, and Lesotho, also face a substantial burden. The growing prevalence underscores the urgent need for better prevention, testing, and treatment to control its spread.
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FAQ
Gonorrhea is primarily transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner. It spreads when the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae enter the mucous membranes of the genitals, rectum, throat, or eyes. The infection can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth, potentially leading to serious complications in newborns. While less common, sharing contaminated sex toys without proper cleaning can also contribute to transmission. Regular STI screenings, practicing safe sex, and limiting sexual partners can help reduce the risk of infection.
Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which infects the mucous membranes of the genitals, rectum, throat, and eyes. It spreads through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. The bacteria thrive in warm, moist areas of the body, making sexual contact the primary mode of transmission. Additionally, an infected mother can pass gonorrhea to her baby during childbirth, leading to serious health complications in newborns. Engaging in multiple sexual partnerships, inconsistent condom use, and lack of regular STI screenings increase the risk of contracting and spreading gonorrhea.
If gonorrhea is left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications. In women, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), leading to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. In men, it can result in epididymitis, a painful condition that may affect fertility. The infection can also spread to the bloodstream, causing disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI), which affects the joints, skin, and, in rare cases, the heart and brain. Additionally, untreated gonorrhea increases the risk of contracting or transmitting HIV and can lead to complications in newborns if passed from an infected mother during childbirth. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent these severe outcomes.
You can prevent gonorrhea by practicing safe sex and taking necessary precautions. Using condoms or dental dams correctly during vaginal, anal, and oral sex significantly reduces the risk of infection. Regular STI screenings are crucial, especially if you have multiple sexual partners or a new partner. Limiting sexual partners and maintaining a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner can also lower the risk. Avoid sharing sex toys or ensure they are properly cleaned before use. If diagnosed, it is important that both you and your partner complete the full course of treatment to prevent reinfection.