ABSTRACT – Gonorrhea is a common bacterial infection, a sexually transmitted disease also called as “the clap” infects both...
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a common bacterial infection, a sexually transmitted disease also called as “the clap” infects both males and females. This disease generally spreads during an intercourse, causing pain in the genital track and also troubles the urethra, rectum or throat. Gonorrhea infects the cervical area in females.
CAUSES –
Bacterium – Neisseria gonorrhoeae
This infection can spread through Vaginal, Anal and Oral intercourse
Infected mother can affect the baby as well during pregnancy
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS –
Pain while urination
Urethral discharge like pus from the penis
Swollen or painful testicles
Inflammation in the foreskin
Anal discharge, pain and bleeding while bowel movements
Swelling in the neck lymph nodes
Increased vaginal discharge and bleeding between periods
Painful sexual intercourse
Abdominal or pelvic pain
Vulvar swelling
DIAGNOSIS –
Urine Test
Swab testing from the infected area
HIV Test
TREATMENT –
Antibiotics
Oral medications
Refraining from sexual intercourse
Regular checkup
COMPLICATIONS –
Risk of pregnancy and pelvic inflammatory disease, a condition that can cause abscesses in women
Epididymitis causing pain and swelling in the testicles, and it may further lead to infertility in men.
Infection spreads through the joints, bloodstream and infect other parts of the body causing fever, rash, swelling and stiffness.
Risk of HIV or AIDS.
Infants can also get affected during birth which causes blindness, sores on the scalp and other infections.
PREVENTION –
Self-restraining from intercourse.
Use protection during vaginal, anal and oral intimacy
Sexual intercourse with a mutually monogamous and unaffected partner
EPIDEMIOLOGY –
Globally, gonorrhea is the second most common sexually transmitted disease between men and women.
As per the estimation, men are more prone to this disease than women.
Prevalence as per age specifications –
Women: 15-24 years Men: 20-29 years