Unveiling the Culprit: What Causes Gonorrhea?
There are more than twenty types of Sexually Transmitted Diseases caused by various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
According to Cleveland Clinic, Gonorrhea is the second most common cause of bacterial STD and is estimated to affect the lives of millions of people worldwide.
The infection is asymptomatic. However, it can show symptoms such as itchy genitals and discharge in some cases.
But what causes Gonorrhea?
By learning about the pathogen that causes Gonorrhea, it becomes simple to understand the condition and treat it effectively.
This comprehensive article will emphasize “what causes Gonorrhea” and how a healthy person can acquire it.
What causes Gonorrhea
The STD, Gonorrhea, is caused by a bacteria called Neisseria Gonorrhea.
Neisseria Gonorrhea is an obligate parasite and can only infect humans among all organisms in nature.
Underdiagnosed or untreated Gonorrhea may cause serious problems in people, including Endometriosis, Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases, ectopic pregnancy, or infertility.
How can people get Gonorrhea bacteria
People can get Gonorrhea bacteria in the following ways:
Unprotected sex
People can acquire Gonorrhea bacteria through unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected partner.
It may involve vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
Age
Age plays a prominent role in acquiring Gonorrhea bacteria.
This STD is very common among young people, around age 15 to 24 years, and may transmit the infection without a barrier method.
Sexual fluid
The infection is present in the sexual fluid, such as vaginal fluid, precum, and semen.
People can acquire these fluids through vaginal, oral, and anal sex.
You can also get this infectious bacteria by sharing sex toys with an infected person.
Multiple sexual partners
Having sexual intercourse with multiple partners can increase the risk of infection transmission.
You should always have a test before being involved in a sexual relationship with a new partner.
It reduces the risks of infection transfer and ensures safe sexual intercourse.
Infrequent screening
There is a high chance that your Gonorrhea may remain undiagnosed for a longer duration due to its asymptomatic nature.
It may complicate the treatment procedure and may even lead to severe health problems.
Thus, it is recommended to have a regular screening test to reduce the chances of spreading and acquiring the bacteria.
The screening test is mandatory for the following people:
- Sexually active gay and bisexual men must test for the bacteria every year
- Cis men involved in a sexual relationship with an infected partner
- Women younger than 25 years
- Women older than 25 years involved in multiple partners or a new partner
- Pregnant women
From mother to child
Gonorrhea may also be transmitted from an infected mother to a child during childbirth.
It happens when the baby passes through the birth canal.
Thus, regular screening tests are recommended for the early detection of the infection and to reduce its chances of transmission.
Further, if you notice any symptoms, consult a healthcare practitioner and seek prompt medical attention and treatment.
Conclusion
Gonorrhea is the second most common cause of bacterial STD and is generally asymptomatic.
It is caused by a bacterium called Neisseria Gonorrhea, which is an obligate parasite and needs a human to complete its life cycle.
There are other ways also through which a healthy person can acquire infectious bacteria, such as unprotected vaginal, oral and anal sex.
The infection-causing bacteria is present in the sexual fluid, i.e., semen and vaginal fluid, which can transfer during sexual intercourse.
People involved in multiple sexual relationships can also transmit the infection.
Further, a mother can transmit the infection to her child during childbirth.
Thus, it is recommended to have regular screening tests for the early detection of the infection and taking prompt medical attention for faster recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main cause of Gonorrhea?
The main cause of Sexually Transmitted Disease, Gonorrhea, is a bacterium called Neisseria Gonnorhea. It is an obligate parasite and can only infect humans in nature for the completion of its life cycle. This bacteria can be transmitted to other people through unprotected sex, mother-to-baby, and sexual fluid.
What bacteria causes Gonorrhea?
The bacteria that causes Gonorrhea is Neisseria Gonorrhea. It is an obligate parasite that can only survive inside a human host. This bacteria must exploit a suitable host to complete its life cycle and cannot survive outside its body.
Is Gonorrhea caused by a virus or bacteria?
The bacteria, Neisseria Gonorrhea, causes Gonorrhea. Gonorrhea is the second most common bacterial STD and, without treatment, may lead to serious health problems. It can cause Endometriosis, Ectopic pregnancy, and Infertility. You should consult a healthcare practitioner and seek treatment for faster recovery.
What causes Gonorrhea in a healthy individual?
Gonorrhea is caused by a bacteria, Neisseria Gonorrhea, which is an obligate parasite and needs a human host to complete its life cycle. A healthy person may acquire this infectious bacteria through unprotected oral, vaginal, and anal sex, mother-to-child transmission, sexual fluid, and age factors.
WowRx uses only high-quality sources while writing our articles. Please read our content information policy to know more about how we keep our content reliable and trustworthy.
