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Gonorrhea

The Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by bacteria that spread during sexual contact. It can directly affect the vagina, penis, cervix, urethra, anus, or throat. It is possible to treat it without difficulty with antibiotics, although it is extremely important to perform timely gynecological and urological medical examinations frequently to detect it in its initial phase, since it is usual that there are no appreciable symptoms or that they are very mild.

Gonorrhea Causes

Gonorrhea is caused by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae , which can be spread by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It should be noted that ejaculation is not necessary for its transmission, since simple contact with the genitalia, anus or mouth of the infected person is more than enough for contagion to occur.

The chances of contracting gonorrhea increase considerably when you have multiple sexual partners, are in a relationship with a person who has a history of sexually transmitted diseases, does not use a condom during sexual intercourse, engages in risky sexual practices, or is consumed alcohol or drugs in excess.

Gonorrhea symptoms

Gonorrhea symptoms usually appear 2 to 5 days after infection. However, in most cases it is an asymptomatic disease, in fact there are many people who do not have symptoms and who are completely unaware that they have been infected. This increases the risk of complications, which is why it is so important to undergo all regular gynecological examinations.

When they do appear, the symptoms of gonorrhea in women may include the following:

  • Pain or burning when urinating.
  • More abundant vaginal discharge, yellowish-green and with a bad smell.
  • Vaginal bleeding between periods.
  • Pain when having sexual intercourse.
  • Pains in the lower abdomen.
  • Sore throat.
  • Irregularities in menstruation.
  • Fever .
  • Vomiting

For men, the symptoms of gonorrhea can include:

  • Abnormal discharge from the penis that is white, yellow, or green.
  • Pain or burning when urinating.
  • The urge to urinate more often than usual.
  • Tenderness or swelling of the testicles.
  • Red or inflamed urethra.
  • Throat pain.

In both women and men, when gonorrhea affects the rectum, they may have abnormal anal secretions, itching, anal pain and bleeding, and pain when defecating. Likewise, they may also have painful bowel movements. Itchy and sore throat, as well as swallowing difficulties, are signs of an oral infection.

Gonorrhea diagnosis

The medical diagnosis of gonorrhea is made by analyzing the secretions from the urethra, uterus, anus, or throat. It may also be necessary to take a sample of cells from the cervix, urethra, penis, anus or throat using a swab so that they can later be examined in the laboratory in order to visualize the bacteria responsible for the infection. . On the other hand, a urinalysis may be recommended.

You may also be interested in:   Syphilis

Gonorrhea treatment

Being a bacterial infection, gonorrhea is cured through the use of antibiotic drugs. The doctor will indicate which is the most appropriate for each particular case, taking into account the extent of the infection and the severity of the symptoms.

In general, a single dose of antibiotics taken as pills for a week or, failing that, injected into a muscle is recommended. However, there are certain gonorrhea infections that are resistant to some antibiotics, so more than one dose may be necessary.

In addition, often people infected with gonorrhea must also be treated for chlamydia, since the two infections often occur at the same time.

When receiving treatment for gonorrhea, it is important to consider recommendations such as the following:

  • Do not self-medicate and take all the drugs prescribed by the doctor, even when the symptoms have disappeared, since the infection could still remain in the body.
  • The partner of the infected person should undergo the appropriate tests and start an antibiotic treatment in case they have contracted the infection.
  • Drugs should not be shared with other people.
  • A doctor should be consulted again in case the symptoms of gonorrhea persist after the treatment is finished.

Possible complications of gonorrhea

If gonorrhea is not treated properly, it can lead to serious health complications.

For women, possible complications of gonorrhea are chronic pelvic pain, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy , infections in childbirth, and preterm deliveries. Complications in men can include narrowing of the urethra or abscess around it. And in both genders, complications can include joint infections, heart valve infections, and meningitis .

Measures to prevent gonorrhea

There are some measures that can help prevent the spread of gonorrhea:

  • Use a condom in all vaginal and anal sex, as well as latex or plastic barriers when performing oral sex.
  • Do not have sex until treatment is finished and the gonorrhea infection is completely cured.
  • Inform all recent sexual partners of gonorrhea so that they too can be treated if necessary.
  • Undergo regular gynecological and urological examinations to detect any sexually transmitted diseases early.

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Hello Readers, I am Nikki Bella a Psychology student. I have always been concerned about human behavior and the mental processes that lead us to act and think the way we do. My collaboration as an editor in the psychology area of ​​Well Being Pole has allowed me to investigate further and expand my knowledge in the field of mental health; I have also acquired great knowledge about physical health and well-being, two fundamental bases that are directly related and are part of all mental health.

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