Gonorrhea Infection
Gonorrhea Symptoms, Transmission, Testing & Treatment
By STD Concern
Formally nicknamed "the Clap", gonorrhea is another bacterial infection that's spread through semen and vaginal fluids. It's caused by a bacterium called "Neisseria gonorrhoeae". This STI can also be successfully treated with antibiotics.
This STD is spread through sexual contact including Intercourse, Oral and Anal sex. It can also spread from mother to infant through childbirth. You can be infected repeatedly by this disease and keep infecting others and not know it.
Gonorrhea Symptoms
Even after the infection occurs, gonorrhea’s symptoms often take several weeks to become noticeable.
Symptoms for Men & Women
- Genital discharge, which can be cloudy, creamy, or colored.
- Persistent and painful urination.
- Swollen genitals.
- Sore throat.
Women may also Experience
- Pain while having intercourse.
- Discomfort during menstruation.
Not Your Symptoms Click Here >>
Testing
Note: You can avoid complications if your STD is detected and treated.
Untreated Gonorrhea
If left untreated, gonorrhea may cause PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) in women, while men could become infertile and experience pain in their testicles. Another problem can be septic arthritis and endocarditis. If you have any signs or just concerned get tested because it can be cured within a short period of time and you won’t have to worry about long term complications.
Transmission Rate
The amount of people infected by this disease is estimated at 50 to 100 million cases every year. WHO (World Health Organization) estimates 88 million are infected every year. This is a curable STD but it can lead to death in rare cases. This STD affects about 0.8% of women and 0.6% of men.
Gonorrhea Testing
Because some STDs have no or similar symptoms with other STI it is best to get tested for more than 1 STD. A test for one STD is good if your sexual partner has tested positive for that STD or your pretty sure your symptoms are related to that STD.
Gonorrhea Treatments
Gonorrhea can be treated by antibiotics, like azithromycin, or with a vaccine, such as ceftriaxone or cefixime. Either of these treatments is available at your doctor's office. Symptoms should resolve after a week of receiving either the pill or the injection.
Diagnostic method would be testing the Urine. According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) you should refrain from having sex for at least one week after your final day of treatment to prevent the spread of the bacterium.
Conclusion
To avoid being infected practice safe sex which includes using condoms and not engaging in sex with an infected person. If you have any of these symptoms you should be tested ASAP (as soon as possible) and sexual partners, be contacted.
Resources
Gonorrhea - CDC Fact Sheet – Retrieved July 27, 2018
Note
In order to receive proper treatment, "testing is required".
Disclaimer: Articles not intended to Diagnose, Treat, Cure or Prevent Diseases.
Infections | Education | Testing | Search >>