Clap (Gonorrhea)

Gonorrhea, also known as clap, is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It affects both men and women and can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat.

Symptoms

• In men:
  • Painful urination (dysuria)
  • Yellowish white discharge from the penis (urethral discharge)
  • Pain or swelling in the testicles
  • Frequent or urgent need to urinate
• In women:
  • Pelvic pain or cramping
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge that is yellow or greenish in color
  • Bleeding between periods or heavier periods
  • Painful urination (dysuria)
• In both men and women:
  • Rectal infection can cause pain, discharge, or bleeding from the rectum
  • Throat infection may not have any symptoms, but can cause sore throat or swollen lymph nodes in some cases

Treatments

Gonorrhea is typically treated with antibiotics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends dual antibiotic therapy, which includes:

• Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) - an injectable cephalosporin antibiotic
• Azithromycin (Zithromax) or doxycycline - oral antibiotics

It is essential to complete the full treatment course, even if symptoms resolve before finishing the medication. Treatment should also be given to all sexual partners from the past 60 days.

Complications and Prevention

If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious complications, such as:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can cause infertility or ectopic pregnancy
• Epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis) in men, which can cause infertility
• Increased risk of HIV transmission

To prevent gonorrhea and other STIs:

• Use condoms consistently and correctly during vaginal, anal, or oral sex
• Limit the number of sexual partners
• Get tested for STIs regularly, especially if you have multiple partners or engage in high-risk behaviors
• Avoid sharing sex toys or personal items that may come into contact with bodily fluids

Diagnosis and Testing

Gonorrhea is typically diagnosed through:

• Urine tests (nucleic acid amplification tests, NAATs)
• Swab tests from the genitals, rectum, or throat
• Gram stain or culture of discharge or tissue samples

Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and transmission to others.