Everything You Need to Know About Gonorrhea: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can affect anyone who is sexually active. Caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, it’s often referred to as “the clap.” Though it may sound daunting, gonorrhea is treatable and preventable. In this post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about gonorrhea in simple terms, so you can protect yourself and stay healthy.
What is Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is an infection that spreads through unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex. It primarily affects the genital area but can also infect the throat, rectum, and even eyes. Gonorrhea is especially common among young people, though anyone who is sexually active can contract it. The bacteria multiply in warm, moist areas of the body, like the reproductive tract, urethra, mouth, and rectum.
Signs and Symptoms of Gonorrhea
One of the trickiest things about gonorrhea is that many people don’t experience noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages. However, symptoms can vary depending on where the infection occurs.
Symptoms in Women:
Pain or burning sensation when urinating
Increased vaginal discharge
Vaginal bleeding between periods
Abdominal or pelvic pain
Many women may mistake these symptoms for a mild infection or other condition, which is why regular testing is important.
Symptoms in Men:
Pain or burning sensation when urinating
White, yellow, or green discharge from the penis
Swollen or painful testicles (less common)
Rectal Infection Symptoms:
Itching or discomfort in the rectum
Discharge or bleeding from the anus
Painful bowel movements
Throat Infection Symptoms:
Sore throat
Swollen glands in the neck
Mild symptoms, which can make it harder to detect
How is Gonorrhea Diagnosed?
Since gonorrhea can go unnoticed, regular testing is the best way to detect it. A healthcare provider may use urine samples or swabs from potentially affected areas like the throat, genitals, or rectum. These samples are then tested in a lab to confirm the infection.
Routine STI testing is especially important if you have multiple sexual partners or don’t use protection consistently, as it can detect gonorrhea and other infections early.
How is Gonorrhea Treated?
The good news is that gonorrhea is treatable with antibiotics. In recent years, however, the bacteria that cause gonorrhea have become resistant to many antibiotics, which means treatment may involve a combination of antibiotics to ensure effectiveness.
Current Treatment: Typically, gonorrhea is treated with an injection of ceftriaxone along with an oral antibiotic, such as azithromycin or doxycycline, to reduce the risk of resistance. It’s important to complete the full course of treatment and to avoid sexual activity until your healthcare provider confirms the infection is gone.
If you’re diagnosed with gonorrhea, your sexual partners should also be tested and treated, as reinfection is possible if one partner remains untreated.
Complications of Untreated Gonorrhea
If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious health issues, including:
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): In women, untreated gonorrhea can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing PID. This condition can lead to chronic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility.
Epididymitis: In men, untreated gonorrhea can cause painful inflammation of the epididymis (the tube connected to the testicles), which can lead to infertility if not treated.
Disseminated Gonococcal Infection (DGI): Gonorrhea can spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream, leading to a condition called DGI. Symptoms of DGI include fever, joint pain, skin sores, and, in severe cases, life-threatening complications.
Increased Risk of HIV: Gonorrhea can increase the risk of contracting or transmitting HIV, as the infection can weaken the body’s defenses.
How to Prevent Gonorrhea
Use Condoms Consistently: Condoms provide a protective barrier that reduces the risk of gonorrhea and other STIs. While they’re not 100% effective, they significantly lower your chances of infection.
Get Tested Regularly: Routine testing can help catch gonorrhea and other STIs early. Regular testing is especially important if you have multiple partners or engage in high-risk sexual activities.
Limit Sexual Partners: Reducing the number of sexual partners can lower your exposure to STIs, including gonorrhea. Mutual monogamy with a tested, uninfected partner is the safest approach.
Communicate with Your Partner: Open conversations about STI testing and sexual health can help you and your partner make informed choices.
Avoid Sex if Symptoms Appear: If you notice any symptoms of gonorrhea or other STIs, it’s best to avoid sexual activity and consult a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Gonorrhea and Pregnancy
Gonorrhea can be passed from mother to baby during childbirth, which can lead to serious health issues for the newborn, including eye infections, joint infections, and potentially life-threatening blood infections. Pregnant women should be tested for gonorrhea as part of their prenatal care, as early detection and treatment can prevent complications.
Why is Gonorrhea on the Rise?
Rates of gonorrhea have been increasing globally, likely due to several factors, including:
Decreased condom use: Changes in sexual practices and attitudes toward condom use may be contributing to the rise.
Antibiotic resistance: As the bacteria become resistant to more antibiotics, treatment becomes more challenging, increasing the risk of spread.
Lack of awareness: Many people are unaware of the symptoms of gonorrhea or do not get tested regularly, leading to more cases going untreated.
Conclusion
Gonorrhea is a common yet preventable and treatable infection. By knowing the symptoms, getting tested regularly, and practicing safe sex, you can protect yourself and your partners from this and other STIs. Remember, if you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider—they’re there to help you stay informed and healthy.
In the end, education and prevention are our best tools in the fight against gonorrhea. Stay safe, get tested, and take charge of your sexual health.