What is gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is basically a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacterium which can infect men and women both. Usually, the condition affects the throat, rectum or urethra. Particularly in women, gonorrhea tends to infect their cervix.
Furthermore, gonorrhea spread while performing sexual activities. However, even babies can get infected in case their mothers have gonorrhea. This common infection causes no obvious symptoms in most cases. Performing safe sex can greatly help preventing gonorrhea.
What are the symptoms of gonorrhea?
In most cases, the condition causes no obvious signs. However, when its signs do appear, then the infection tends to affect various sites in the body, though, commonly occurs in genital tract.
- Symptom in men are (genital tract):
- Swelling or pain in a testicle.
- Penis discharging pus-like liquid.
- Painful urination.
- Symptoms in women are (genital tract):
- Pelvic pain.
- Abdominal pain.
- Vaginal bleeding after performing sex.
- Painful urination.
- Vaginal discharge.
Gonorrhea can affect your rectum, eyes, throat and joints as well.
When is the high time to consult a doctor?
Call your doctor for an appointment in case you observe any unusual symptoms, for example burning sensation during urination. Also, if your sexual partner is diagnosed with any sexually transmitted infection, consult your doctor for screening.
What causes gonorrhea?
It is triggered by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a bacterium. Sexual contact such as vaginal, anal or oral intercourse serves as the basis to spread the bacteria from an individual to another.
What are the risk factors of gonorrhea?
Certain factors known to increase the chances of gonorrhea infection are:
- Several sex partners.
- New sex partner.
- Younger age.
- Performing sex with a partner whose medical history is unknown.
- Previously diagnosed with gonorrhea.
- Having any other STI (sexually transmitted infections).
What are the potential complications of gonorrhea?
In case gonorrhea is left untreated, it can lead some serious complications including:
- Infertility in men and women both.
- Infections which spreads to other body parts and joints.
- Increased chances of HIV/AIDs.
- Complications such as infections and blindness in babies.
How is gonorrhea diagnosed?
In order to diagnose gonorrhea, the doctor will examine your cell sample. He or she can collect the sample by:
- Swab of affected area such as rectum, vagina, urethra or throat.
- Urine test.
How is gonorrhea treated?
An individual diagnosed with gonorrhea is treated by antibiotics.
Prevention:
Certain preventive measures can help minimize the chances of gonorrhea.
- Refraining from performing sexual activities is the best way to prevent the condition. However, in case of having sexual intercourse, using a condom is very important.
- Always perform sexual activities with a partner whose medical history is known to you. Abstain having sexual contact with a partner who has unusual signs.
- Limit your sexual partners, in case of doubt, ask your partners to screen for sexually transmitted infections.
- In case you feel you are at a higher risk to develop gonorrhea, choose to have gonorrhea screening.
By : Natural Health News
