Gonorrhoea, also called as ‘Clap’ is a sexually transmitted, very common infectious disease. The infection is caused by a bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhea. Gonorrhoea is spread during sexual intercourse—vaginal, oral, and anal. Most often, gonorrhoea is found in younger people (ages 15-30) who have multiple sex partners. Gonorrhoea can also be spread from mother to child during birth.
What are the causes of Gonorrhoea?
Gonorrhea is caused by a bacteria Neisseria that grows and multiplies quickly in moist, warm areas of the body such as the cervix, urethra, mouth, or rectum.
What are the symptoms of Gonorrhoea?
Symptoms appear within 2 to 14 days. 10 to 15 percent of men and about 80 percent of women may have no symptoms.
In Men:
Painful and burning urination
Pus discharge from the penis
Pain in the testis
Anal itching, and occasional painful bowel movements with fresh blood on the feces.
Mouth sores or throat sores.
In Women:
A yellowish vaginal discharge
Redness and swelling of the genitals
Burning or itching of the vaginal area
Excessive bleeding during menstrual period or bleeding between periods.
Painful intercourse.
In rectal infection :
Pus like discharge
Pain
Constipation and bleeding
How can we diagnose Gonorrhoea?
Several laboratory tests are available to diagnose gonorrhoea. A health care provider can obtain a sample of fluid from the infected mucus membrane (cervix, urethra, rectum, or throat) and send the specimen to a laboratory for analysis.
Staining Tests: This involves placing a smear of the discharge from the penis or the cervix on a slide and staining the smear with a dye and the bacteria is viewed through the microscope.
Detection of bacterial genes : Frequently, doctors use urine or cervical swabs for a new test that detects the genes of the bacteria.
Culture test : The culture test involves placing a sample of the discharge onto a culture plate and incubating it up to two days to allow the bacteria to multiply.
How can Gonorrhoea be treated?
It is important that all medications are taken as prescribed, and that the infected person refrain from sexual intercourse during treatment.
Antibiotics of penicillin derivatives such as ampicillin, amoxycillin, used to be recommended for the treatment of gonorrhea. Because penicillin-resistant gonorrhoea is increasing, other antibiotics that are given by injection such as ceftriaxone or spectinomycin now are used to treat most gonococcal infections.
Women who are pregnant should not take doxycycline and are usually given an alternative antibiotic such as erythromycin.
More Valuable information about Gonorrhoea
Ascending infection may lead to the infection in the internal genital organs and pelvic infection.
Eye infection may occur in neonates born to infected mothers.
Bacteria in the blood is rare and may cause fever, joint pain and sparse peripheral rash.
COMPLICATIONS
If you are infected with gonorrhoea, your risk of getting hiv (AIDS) infection increases.
When treated early, there are no long term consequences of gonorrhea. Serious complications can result, however, when left untreated.
Epididymitis : An inflammation of the testicles that can cause sterility in men. Men may suffer from swelling of the testicles and penis.
In women:
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease : An ascending infection that spreads from the vagina and cervix to the uterus and fallopian tubes. PID can lead to sterility.
Perihepatitis : An infection around the liver.
Approximately 2% of persons with untreated gonorrhoea may develop Disseminated Gonococcal Infection (DGI). It is characterized by fever, skin lesions and arthritis pain.
Abscesses
Both sexes may suffer from arthritis, skin problems and other organ infections caused by the spread of gonorrhoea within the body.
Do’s and Dont’s
Sexual relations should be approached responsibly.
Use condoms if having sex with casual partners.
Practice sexual abstinence, or limit sexual contact to one uninfected partner.
STD testing should be part of your regular physical examination. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Frequently asked questions about Gonorrhoea :
Which specialist should I see if I have Gonorrhoea or clap?
You should consult Venerologist (STD Specialist).
How can I protect myself against this illness?
Condoms, especially used with spermicides will minimize the risk of acquiring it. After contact, the exposed parts should be washed with soap and water, as soon as possible.
Should my sexual partner also take treatment?
Yes, the partner should be screened and prophylactic treatment given.
Can this affect my reproductive ability?
Pelvic infection can cause infertility or ectopic pregnancy.
Glossary
STD : Sexually transmitted disease.
Urethritis : Inflammation of the urethra.
Ectopic pregnancy : Pregnancy occurring in an abnormal position outside the uterus.
Proctitis : Inflammation of the anus and rectum.
Dysuria : Difficult or painful discharge of urine.
Micturition : Urination.
Spermicides : Substances that have antisperm activity.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease : An ascending infection that spreads from the vagina and cervix to the uterus and fallopian tubes.
Epididymitis : An inflammation of the testicles.
Perihepatitis : An infection around the liver.
Shopping Cart
