Essential Gonorrhea Facts You Need to Know
Gonorrhea is a prevalent Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) that the Neisseria Gonorrhoeae Bacterium causes.
It is a common treatable STD among sexually active people, especially individuals aged 15-24 years.
The primary mode of Gonorrhea transmission is through vaginal, oral, or anal sexual activity.
If you experience symptoms of Gonorrhea or are concerned about a possible STI, it’s advisable to seek a sexual health test at a clinic.
Read this insightful article to understand Gonorrhea facts and how to prevent it.
How Gonorrhea spreads
Gonorrhea can be transmitted through sexual fluids like vaginal fluid and semen, occurring during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person.
There is a possibility that Gonorrhea can spread from a mother to her baby during childbirth.
It is known that it doesn’t spread through sharing food, kissing, hugging, and other physical contact etc.
People with Gonorrhea may not show symptoms, yet they can still transmit the infection to others.
Symptoms of Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea might cause various symptoms in both men and women. Most of the individuals might not show symptoms.
Symptoms in females
Following are the symptoms of Gonnorhea in females:
- Atypical vaginal discharge, possibly thin or watery, with shades of green or yellow
- Discomfort or a burning feeling during urination
- Discomfort or sensitivity in the lower abdominal region
- Bleeding between periods, heavier menstrual flow, and bleeding after sex
Symptoms in males
Following are the symptoms of Gonnorhea in males:
- Uncommon white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis tip
- Pain or burning sensation during urination
- Inflammation (swelling) of the foreskin
- Pain or tenderness in the testicles
How to reduce the risk of Gonnorhea
The following measures must be taken to reduce the risk of Gonnorhea:
- Using condoms the right way during vaginal, anal, and oral sex helps lower the risk of transmitting Gonorrhea
- To minimize infection risk, engage in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative
- Regular STI screenings can help detect infections early and reduce the risk of transmission
- Abstaining from sex and avoiding sexual activity is the best way to prevent Gonorrhea
How Gonnorhea affects a pregnant woman
Untreated Gonorrhea during pregnancy may lead to adverse birth outcomes.
It increases the chances of miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and premature rupture of membranes.
If a pregnant woman has untreated Gonorrhea, she can spread the infection to her baby during childbirth.
This may lead to serious consequences for the baby, including eye infections, upper respiratory infections, Urethritis, scalp infections, blood infections, joint infections, etc.
Treatment for Gonnorhea
Gonorrhea is treatable, usually with a single dose of 500 mg of intramuscular Ceftriaxone. If it’s not available, alternative regimens can be used.
Medication can stop the infection, but any permanent damage won’t be reversed. Due to rising antimicrobial resistance, successful treatment is more challenging.
After getting the medication, avoid sex for at least seven days to prevent the spread of the infection.
It’s crucial for partners to get screened and treated, even without symptoms, to prevent reinfection.
Conclusion
Understanding Gonorrhea is crucial for maintaining sexual health. This common and treatable STD affects both men and women, especially those aged 15-24.
It can lead to various complications, especially if left untreated, including adverse outcomes during pregnancy and serious consequences for newborns.
Gonorrhea can be treated with medication, but it’s essential to complete the prescribed course.
Prevention is key, involving safe practices like condom use, monogamous relationships, and regular STI screenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gonnorhea?
Gonorrhea is an infection transmitted through sexual activity, resulting from the bacterium Neisseria Gonorrhoeae. The bacteria can infect various areas such as the urethra, rectum, female reproductive tract, mouth, throat, or eyes. It is typically transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal sexual activity.
How common is Gonnorhea?
Gonorrhea is a widespread Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) globally. Around 1.6 million new Gonococcal infections were reported in the United States in 2018, with over half affecting individuals aged 15-24.
What are the symptoms of Gonnorhea?
In females, symptoms include unusual vaginal discharge, pain during urination, lower abdominal pain, and bleeding between periods or after sex. In males, symptoms involve uncommon discharge from the penis, pain during urination, and testicular pain or tenderness.
What is the treatment for Gonnorhea?
The treatment for Gonorrhea is primarily based on the use of antibiotics. Consuming a single dose of 500 mg of intramuscular Ceftriaxone is recommended as the preferred treatment. Alternative regimens are also available.
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