Gonorrhea: A Comprehensive Guide
1. Definition
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It primarily affects the mucous membranes of the urethra, cervix, rectum, throat, and eyes.
2. Types
Gonorrhea can be categorized based on the site of infection:
- Genital Gonorrhea: Affects the reproductive organs.
- Rectal Gonorrhea: Affects the rectum.
- Pharyngeal Gonorrhea: Affects the throat.
- Ocular Gonorrhea: Affects the eyes.
3. Causes & Risk Factors
Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Risk factors include:
- Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person
- Having multiple sexual partners
- Previous or coexisting sexually transmitted infections
- Sexual activity at a young age
4. Pathophysiology
Neisseria gonorrhoeae attaches to the epithelial cells of the mucous membranes, where it multiplies and causes inflammation. The infection can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated, leading to serious health complications.
5. Symptoms
Symptoms of gonorrhea vary between men and women and depending on the site of infection:
- Men: Painful urination, pus-like discharge from the penis, swelling or pain in one testicle.
- Women: Increased vaginal discharge, painful urination, vaginal bleeding between periods, pelvic pain.
- Rectal Infection: Anal itching, discharge, soreness, bleeding, painful bowel movements.
- Throat Infection: Sore throat, swollen lymph nodes.
- Eye Infection: Eye pain, sensitivity to light, pus-like discharge from one or both eyes.
6. Diagnosis
Diagnosis of gonorrhea involves both physical examination and laboratory tests:
- NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test): Detects genetic material of the bacteria in urine or swab samples.
- Culture Test: Grows the bacteria from a sample to confirm the infection and test for antibiotic resistance.
7. Management & Treatment
Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial:
- Ceftriaxone: Given as an injection, often in combination with oral antibiotics like azithromycin or doxycycline.
- Follow-Up: Patients should be retested after treatment to ensure the infection is cleared.
8. Transmission
Gonorrhea is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.
9. Complications
If untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious health complications, including:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can cause infertility
- Epididymitis in men, which can lead to infertility
- Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI), affecting joints and heart valves
- Increased risk of contracting or transmitting HIV
10. Prevention
Preventive measures include:
- Consistent and correct use of condoms
- Regular STI screenings for sexually active individuals
- Limiting the number of sexual partners
- Prompt treatment of infected individuals and their partners
11. FAQs
Can gonorrhea be cured?
Yes, gonorrhea can be cured with appropriate antibiotic treatment. However, antibiotic-resistant strains are emerging, making some infections harder to treat.
How soon after exposure can gonorrhea be detected?
Gonorrhea can typically be detected within a few days to a week after exposure using NAAT tests.
Is it possible to get gonorrhea more than once?
Yes, being cured of gonorrhea does not provide immunity. You can be reinfected if exposed again.
Can gonorrhea cause long-term health problems?
If untreated, gonorrhea can lead to severe health problems, including infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and increased susceptibility to HIV.
What should I do if I suspect I have gonorrhea?
If you suspect you have gonorrhea, seek medical attention immediately for testing and treatment. Early treatment is crucial for preventing serious complications.