Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is caused by an infection of the bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This bacterium can replicate rapidly in most areas. In men, it easily thrives in the urine canal (urethra). In women, the bacterium lives and multiplies fast in the womb’s opening (cervix), fallopian tubes, uterus and urethra. Other places where the bacterium can thrive are the throat, eyes, mouth and anus.
As earlier mentioned, the most common places for the bacterium to live and multiply are the penis, vagina, mouth and anus and contract with these parts can easily spread gonorrhea. Babies can also contact gonorrhea from an infected mother.
It is estimated that in the United States alone, 700,000 persons get new infections annually. Reported cases rate of gonorrhea in 2004 was 113.5 per 100,000 persons. This report came from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States.
Symptoms in Women
About 30-60 of women with gonorrhea do not experience symptoms for a long time until the patient gets medical test. Some symptoms in women can be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection. Those who have exhibited symptoms experience abnormal discharges from the vagina, dysuria or difficulty in urinating, off cycle menstrual bleeding and post sexual intercourse bleeding. When untreated, gonorrhea advances to the development of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Symptoms in Men
Like in the cases of women, many symptoms of gonorrhea in men seem to be absent for long periods of time. Pain during urination is a very common symptom. During urination, thick and copious pus is discharged from the penis. Other effects of the infection include pain and swelling of the epididymis, prostate gland and testicles.
Rectal gonorrhea
Men and women are affected by this kind of gonorrhea. The symptoms include rectal bleeding, anal itching, soreness and pain in defecating as well as evident anal discharges. Anal sex is the cause of this kind of gonorrhea.
Diagnosing gonorrhea
There are three laboratory techniques in diagnosing gonorrhea. The first is getting samples straight from the bacterium. Another is detecting genes or DNA in the urine. The third is growing the bacteria taken from the infected person in the laboratory.
Treating gonorrhea
Although there are already reported drug-resistant kinds of gonorrheal bacteria, antibiotics are still the most common way to treat this disease. Some of these antibiotics are Amoxycillin, Ampicillin, Azithromycin, Cefixime, Cefotaxime, Cefpodoxime, Cefoxitin, Ciprofloxacin, Ceftriaxone, Ofloxacin, Levofloxacin and Spectinomycin.
Preventing gonorrhea
The proper use of contraceptives like condoms and dental dams is one of the most common ways to prevent contacting of the bacteria. Monogamy is also an effective way. Abstinence from sexual intercourse during treatment of infecting person is highly recommended. At the earliest detection of potential infection, visiting health professionals to get tested can prevent later complications which lead to more difficult diseases to deal with. Constantly education oneself with available reading resources can be a valuable activity to avoid falling into wrong practices. Educational materials are easily available in local health centers and the internet.
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