Gonorrhea

What is Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is an infectious disease, more specific a STD also known as “the clap “. It can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, be it vaginal, oral or anal contact. Gonorrhea is a human specific pathogen that developed resistance mechanisms against the attacks of the host’s immune system. Infertility and higher chances of getting infected with HIV are the most alarming problems an infected person can have. The manifestations vary from females to males.

How does this infection manifest?

It is an infection cause by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, transmitted from one infected partner to the other. Also, the infection can be transmitted from mother to the fetus during childbirth and this is the reason why it is recommended that the mother be tested for any type of STD before the pregnancy.

It is possible to get infected with gonorrhea if:

• You have sexual intercourse unprotected, be it vaginal, oral or anal
• You have multiple sexual partners
• You begin your sex life before the age of 16-17, when information about sexual health is not enough or frequently ignored.

Who is affected by Gonorrhea?

According to the official statistics published by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, youth between 15-24 are most affected by gonorrhea. According to the World Health Organization, annually there are registered 60-70 millions of new cases infected with gonorrhea.

What are the symptoms?

The incubation period, meaning the period between the infection and the occurrence of the symptoms is ranging from 3 to 21 days. Some persons don’t show any symptoms until they develop severe complications.

How to avoid the infection?

Gonorrhea, as the other sexually transmitted diseases, it can be prevented by using the condom.

What is the treatment?

Although it can lead to severe complications, gonorrhea can be cured with antibiotics. Even so, the severe complications cannot be cured only by antibiotics. A reexamination is recommended at 5-6 months after finishing the treatment to verify if the infection has been eliminated completely. Being a sexually transmitted disease, the treatment must be taken by both partners and if it is the case, by the last 90 days partners, as well.

Not following the treatment on time leads to serious complications. The infection can be transmitted from mother to child and the children can suffer ocular infections or can become infertile by having the reproduction organs affected by gonorrhea. Before pregnancy, it is recommended that both partners be tested for any sexually transmitted diseases. Adults can develop articular affections. Untreated it can lead to infertility and pregnant women can suffer ectopic pregnancies ( rarely it can lead to death ).