Gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease (STD), is caused by the bacterium neisseria gonorrhoeae. This particular bacterium develops and multiplies effortlessly in moist, warm areas in the reproductive tract (uterus, cervix and fallopian tubes in women); and in the urethra in men and women. The bacterium can also develop within the anus, eyes, throat, or mouth.
How can you pick up Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea transmits via contact with the vagina, penis, mouth, or anus. Gonorrhea might be transmitted with no ejaculation. It can also spread from a mother to her infant through delivery.
An individual may be re-infected with gonorrhea even after receiving treatment by means of sexual contact with yet another person infected with gonorrhea.
What are problems from Gonorrhea?
Untreated or hidden gonorrhea can cause serious as well as lasting health problems for men and women.
Women can develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Around a million females get PID within the U.S. every year. Often, these women demonstrate absolutely no symptoms or signs of actually having PID. When symptoms are apparent, they could include significant abdominal pain and fever. Troubles can include internal abscesses, chronic pelvic pain and fallopian tube damage. Fallopian tube damage could cause inability to conceive as well as life-threatening ectopic pregnancies (in which a fertilized egg develops on the outside of the womb, most likely in a fallopian tube).
For males, gonorrhea might cause epididymitis. Epididymitis is an extremely agonizing testicle ailment that if left unattended, can result in infertility.
The Gonorrhea Test
A first early morning urine test is the preferred test for Gonorrhea. However, a specimen coming from a individual that has not urinated 1-2 hours ahead of the test is usually satisfactory.
Gonorrhea Symptoms
Gonorrhea infection warning signs:
- Some males may not present virtually any signs or symptoms of gonorrhea; however, a few men have symptoms appear two to six days after initial infection. At times, signs or symptoms might take a month to appear. Warning signs normally include green, yellow or white penile discharge, along with a burning feeling while urinating. At times, men experience inflamed or uncomfortable testicles with gonorrhea.
- Most women with gonorrhea experience moderate symptoms or no signs or symptoms at all. At times, the symptoms could be mistaken for a vaginal or uti. Initial indications consist of spotting between periods, a burning or uncomfortable feeling while urinating, or a rise in vaginal discharge. Women can develop serious issues from an untreated gonorrhea infection.
- A gonorrhea infection in the rectum could cause anal itching, bleeding, tenderness, discharge, as well as painful bowel movements in both women and men.
- Gonorrhea infections of the throat may cause a sore throat but usually cause no symptoms.
