Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can affect both men and women, and if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems.

Transmission

Gonorrhea is primarily spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. The bacteria can also be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth. Additionally, gonorrhea can be spread through sharing of sex toys that have not been properly cleaned and disinfected.

Symptoms

The symptoms of gonorrhea can vary depending on the individual and the location of the infection. In men, common symptoms include:

• Painful urination
• Discharge from the penis (white, yellow, or green)
• Pain or swelling in the testicles
• Sore throat (if the infection is in the throat)

In women, common symptoms include:

• Pelvic pain
• Abnormal vaginal discharge (thick, yellow, or green)
• Bleeding between periods
• Painful urination
• Sore throat (if the infection is in the throat)

Some people with gonorrhea may not experience any symptoms at all, which can make it difficult to detect and treat the infection.

Complications

If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious health complications, including:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can cause infertility and chronic pain
• Epididymitis in men, which is an inflammation of the tube that stores sperm and can cause infertility
• Increased risk of HIV transmission
• Arthritis and skin problems
• Infertility and miscarriage

Diagnosis

Gonorrhea is typically diagnosed through a physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests. The most common tests used to diagnose gonorrhea include:

• Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), which detect the genetic material of the bacteria
• Gram stain, which detects the presence of the bacteria under a microscope
• Culture test, which grows the bacteria in a laboratory to confirm the diagnosis

Treatment

Gonorrhea is typically treated with antibiotics, usually ceftriaxone and azithromycin. It is essential to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by a healthcare provider, even if symptoms disappear before finishing the medication.

Prevention

The best way to prevent gonorrhea is through safe sex practices, including:

• Using condoms consistently and correctly
• Limiting the number of sexual partners
• Avoiding sharing sex toys
• Getting tested regularly for STIs

Vaccination

There is no vaccine available to prevent gonorrhea. However, research is ongoing to develop a vaccine against Neisseria gonorrhoeae.