Gonorrhoea

Table of Contents

• Cause
• Gonorrhoea Symptoms
• Gonorrhoea Symptoms in Men
• Gonorrhoea Symptoms in Women
• Gonorrhoea Treatment

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted disease which can affect both men and women. Gonorrhoea is a serious disease and can cause extreme health problems if left untreated. It is also known as “clap”. It is more common in women than in men. An estimated 78 to 88 million cases of Gonorrhoea are reported every year. Along with chlamydia, syphilis, and trichomoniasis, it is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI) in the world.

Gonorrhoea is caused by a bacteria which is called  Neisseria Gonorrhoeae. The bacteria germinate very rapidly in the mucous membrane of the body and are present in the semen and vaginal fluids of an infected person. It is highly contagious and spreads through the act of sexual contact- vaginal, anal or oral. It also spreads during the passage of newborn through the birth canal. Women are more likely to contract the disease by having intercourse with an infected male than the other way around.

The symptoms are very subtle and often unnoticeable for months in infected males and females after contracting the disease.  That is why it is extremely important to be aware of even the small signs that can possibly be of the disease. If the bacteria infects the newborn in birth canal it is transmitted to the eyes which may result in blindness. It affects men and women differently.

Men who have contracted the disease may notice the following symptoms:

• Inflammation of urethra that results in pus and painful urination.
• Abnormal discharge of liquids from the opening of the penis, usually green, yellow or white in colour.
• Infection in prostate gland and epididymis.
• Pain in the lower pelvic area and occasionally, in the testes.

Gonorrhoea in women can produce the following symptoms:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge. It can be green or yellow, thin or watery.
• Burning sensation while urinating.
• Inflammation spreading from vagina into uterus, uterine tubes and pelvic cavity
• Pain in the lower abdomen.
• Peritonitis.
• Blood discharge between periods.
• Swelling in the outer vaginal region.
• Swelling and pain in the throat, in case of oral Gonorrhoea.

It can be completely cured if it is diagnosed in the early stages. Delay may cause some serious complications. The treatment of the disease is generally done with antibiotics. Since the gonorrhoeic bacteria have become resistant to tetracycline and penicillin, currently ceftriaxone is prescribed as antibiotics. Multiple doses of Gonorrhoea treatment antibiotics are generally prescribed to the patient. The infection in eyes of infants can be prevented by administering 1% silver nitrate solution in the eyes.

Like all diseases, prevention is better than cure is applicable to this disease too. Using proper protection while having intercourse significantly reduces the chances of contracting the disease. It is also recommended not to indulge in intercourse with people who have already contracted it or has recently been cured.

Stay tuned with BYJU’S to learn more about the Gonorrhoea infection and its treatment.