Gonorrhea

Causative & risk factors

It is caused by a bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This bacterium can multiply in the urethra, parts of the female reproductive system, oral cavity including the throat and the anus.

Transmission of the bacteria takes place as a result of unprotected oral, vaginal or anal sex with an infected partner.

Clinical presentation

Gonorrhea may or may not produce symptoms in women. Men invariably are symptomatic. The patient suffers from greenish yellow or whitish discharge from the vagina or the penis. The discharge is foul-smelling and is usually noticed in morning hours. Burning pain is present while urinating. Women may experience abdominal or pelvic pain, intermenstrual bleeding, spotting after sex or vulval swelling. Men may have swelling in the testicles. If infection is acquired through oral sex, the patient may experience burning in the throat or swollen glands.

Untreated gonorrheal infection can cause complications like pelvic inflammatory disease, epidymitis, joint infection and an increased risk of developing ectopic pregnancy or contracting HIV infection.

If a pregnant woman has gonorrhea, she has an increased risk of spontaneous abortion or premature delivery. She can also transmit the disease to her baby. A baby with gonorrhea may develop blindness, joint infection or blood infection.

Investigations

If gonorrhea is suspected, a fluid sample from the man’s urethra or the woman’s cervix is inspected for presence of the bacterium. A urine sample is also tested to detect the bacterium.

Treatment  

Gonorrhea is a curable condition. Both partners must be treated at the same time to avoid reinfection. Treatment consists of an antibiotic, either oral or injectible.

To prevent gonorrhea, always have protected sex and limit the number of sexual partners.

Recent updates

Research is currently underway in order to develop an effective vaccine against gonorrhea.