A common sexually transmitted bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
A sexually transmitted disease which produces painful irritation of the mucous membrane and a watery discharge from the vagina or penis.
Gonorrhoea is an inflammatory disease caused by Neisseria gonococcous, affecting especially the mucous membrane of the urethra in the male and that of the vagina in the female, but spreading also to other parts. It is the most common of the sexually transmitted diseases. Every year 200 million new cases are diagnosed worldwide, including 700,000 in the US. In the UK, the number of newly diagnosed persons has been declining since 1991 and is currently about 18,000 per year.
Gonorrhoea is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections, affecting populations worldwide.
Gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is primarily transmitted through sexual activity, including oral and anal sex. Additionally, an infected woman can pass the disease to her baby during childbirth.
Gonorrhea typically has an incubation period ranging from two to ten days. In men, common symptoms include a discharge from the urethra and pain while urinating. On the other hand, many infected women do not experience any symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they often involve a vaginal discharge or a burning sensation while urinating.
Engaging in anal sex with an infected person can lead to gonococcal proctitis, which involves inflammation of the rectum and anus. Similarly, having oral sex with an infected individual may result in gonococcal pharyngitis, occasionally causing a sore throat. Furthermore, a baby born to an infected mother can be at risk of acquiring the eye infection known as gonococcal ophthalmia.
If left untreated, gonorrhea can spread to other parts of the body, leading to various complications. In men, it may cause prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) or epididymo-orchitis (inflammation of a testis and its surrounding structure where sperm mature), which can affect fertility. In women, untreated gonorrhea can result in pelvic inflammatory disease, which poses a risk of damaging the fallopian tubes. This damage increases the likelihood of ectopic pregnancy in the future and may also lead to infertility. Moreover, if gonococcal bacteria enter the bloodstream, it can lead to severe conditions such as septicemia or septic arthritis.
In order to confirm the diagnosis, tests are conducted on a sample of discharge or on swabs taken from the urethra, cervix, or rectum.
Gonorrhea is typically treated with antibiotic drugs, which are effective in curing the infection. However, it’s essential to note that treatment does not provide protection against potential reinfection. Moreover, the increasing issue of bacterial resistance to antibiotics poses a concern in managing the infection. To prevent further transmission, it is crucial to test the recent sexual contacts of the patient to determine whether they are also infected and require treatment.