GONORRHEA

Today our conversation on STIs/STDs will center on Gonorrhea, which is known to be the oldest venereal disease known to human beings. Gonorrhea is caused by a bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is spread through unprotected sexual contact such as anal, oral or vaginal sex; and from an infected mother to child during pregnancy. Scientists have reported that this type of bacteria tends to prefer moist and warm parts of the body such as the eyes, vagina, anus, urethra, female reproductive system and throats. 

Some men and women may be asymptomatic, thus, they may not show any symptom of the disease. However men who show symptoms may have a burning sensation when urinating; white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis and painful or swollen testicles.

In females, symptoms can include abnormal vaginal discharge which may be watery and yellow or green in colour, painful or burning sensation when urinating, lower abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding which is very much different from menstruation and painful sexual intercourse. However, these symptoms are often mild and can be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection. If the bacteria happens to infect the rectum, it often leads to anal itching, discharge, soreness, bleeding and painful bowel movements. It has been reported that individuals who have been infected with gonorrhea are at risk of developing serious complications from the infection, even if they don’t have any symptoms. 

Undiagnosed and untreated gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) causing pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility in women. During pregnancy, it can lead to premature labour, miscarriage and babies born with conjunctivitis (an eye condition caused by an infection) which can cause permanent vision damage if untreated.

It is therefore recommended that every sexually active person should do a routine STI/STD test to know their status and get early treatment. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers can be treated with antibiotics, when it is detected that they may have contracted the disease. Gonorrhea can be effectively treated through the use of antibiotics provided to patients upon diagnosis. Even though treatment is effective, reinfection is also a huge possibility. To lower your chances of infection, you should embark on the following measures;

1. Again, abstinence is the only effective way to prevent the spread of STDs, especially for young and unmarried persons.
2. Reduce your number of sexual partners to one who has been tested for Gonorrhea and does not have Gonorrhea.
3. Use a new condom each time you have sex and be sure to wear it correctly.
4. Seek medical care during pregnancy.
5. Get tested and treated for other STDs and encourage your partners to do the same.

Do join us in our subsequent posts as we discuss other STIs, their psychological implications and preventive measures as well as the treatment options that are available to combat STDs.