It is a very common sexually transmitted bacterial disease that affects both men and women. Gonorrhea mainly affects the urethra, rectum, or throat, but in women it can also affect the cervix. In babies, gonorrhea mainly affects the eyes. In some cases, infected people show no symptoms. Being in a monogamous relationship, using a condom during sex, and abstaining from sex are ways to prevent sexually transmitted diseases

SYMPTOM

Symptoms of gonorrhea usually appear 2 to 5 days after infection, however, in men it can take up to a month to appear. Others show no symptoms at all. This is especially dangerous because they do not seek treatment and continue to spread the disease to their sexual partners. It also puts them at risk of serious complications.

In men, symptoms may include:

• burning and pain when urinating
• increased frequency of urination and urgency
• Pus-like discharge from the tip of the penis, which may be white, yellow, or green.
• tender or swollen testicles
• sore throat (gonococcal pharyngitis)

In women, symptoms may include:

• painful urination
• vaginal discharge
• increased urination
• throat pain
• painful sex
• Severe pain in the lower abdomen: This symptom is due to the infection spreading to the fallopian tubes and stomach area. It is usually accompanied by fever.
• vaginal bleeding between periods, such as after vaginal intercourse
• pelvic pain
• Conjunctivitis (red, itchy eyes)

TREATMENT

Gonorrhea can be treated and cured. The goal here is to treat infected people and their sexual partners. In adults, gonorrhea is treated with an antibiotic that can be taken by mouth or by injection. It is important to take all of your antibiotics even if you feel better. Never treat your gonorrhea with someone else’s medicine. This just makes it difficult to treat yours. Due to emerging strains of drug resistance Neisseria gonorrheaThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend a group of drugs known as cephalosporins to treat uncomplicated cases of gonorrhea.

You can get infected again if your partner is not treated. It is important for your partner to get tested and treated. Your partner will receive the same treatment as you. This helps prevent further spread of the disease.

Babies born to mothers with gonorrhea receive an eye medication soon after birth to prevent infection; however, if an infection occurs, they are given antibiotics to treat it.

CAUTION – Do not have sexual intercourse while undergoing treatment.

PREVENTION

Abstinence is the only absolute method to prevent gonorrhea. You can also lower your risk if you are in a monogamous relationship and use condoms when you have sex. Also ask your partner to get tested for the disease and consider regular gonorrhea testing if you are at higher risk.