Gonorrhea is the type of infection which is caused by sexually transmitted bacteria and it can affect both females and males. Also referred to as “The Clap”, Gonorrhea mainly affects the rectum, urethra and the throat. It is contiguous and hence spread mainly during sexual acts. It is a common infection that has no early symptoms at all. So, patients with Gonorrhea usually don’t come to know about the infection in its early stage. Using condoms, refraining from sex and being in a mutually monogamous relationship are considered to be the best way to prevent this infection. Complications from the infection in males include epididymitis which is an inflammation in tube carrying sperm and infertility.
What are the Symptoms of Gonorrhea?
As mentioned, symptoms are absent in the early stage of Gonorrhea infection. The symptoms usually start showing up after 13-14 days of exposure to the infection. The symptoms of males are slightly different from women and this includes:
- Swelling and inflammation of the foreskin
- Green, yellow and white urethral discharge like pus
- Frequent and painful urination
- Pain in scrotum and testicles
- Difficulty swallowing, itching, and swollen neck
- Painful, warm, swollen and red joints
- Light sensitivity, eye pain, and eye discharge
What are the Causes of Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is the infection which is caused by the sexually transmitted bacterium called Neisseria Gonorrhoeae. This bacterium, not just only affects the mucous membrane of throat, rectum, eyes, and mouth, but also affects the reductive system. Since it is the sexually transmitted bacterium, it is only transmitted during sexual contacts and may infect the person involving the anus, penis, and mouth. It is not necessary that males need to ejaculate to get the bacterium causing Gonorrhea. In some cases, the bacterium is passed from mother to baby during pregnancy if she is infected. All males who are sexually active are at higher risk of getting the bacterium and the highest rates of infection usually occur in young adults, teenagers and those belonging to African-American race.
What are the Treatment Options for Gonorrhea?
The typical treatment for Gonorrhea usually based on the symptoms and severity of the condition. If a person is diagnosed with the infection, they need to undergo a proper treatment program which involves:
- Antibiotics to kill the bacterium
- Refraining from sexual intercourse until the treatment is complete
- Repeating the test to ensure that the infection is treated completed
