What Is Gonorrhea? (STDs)
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD), caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
The disease is fairly common in the world, and affects more than 700,000 people annually in the US alone.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many gonorrhea cases go unreported increasing the risk of new infections, and contributing to newer, drug-resistant strains of the bacteria.
Thus, medical STD testing is crucial for sexually active individuals, especially those with multiple sexual partners.
Prevalence Gonorrhea is a treatable STD that affects more women than men.
This is mainly because the causative bacteria mostly thrive in warm moist areas such as the female reproductive tract, including the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes and urethra.
However, men are also prone to gonorrhea, which is spread through exchange of bodily fluids, whether or not ejaculation takes place during intercourse.
Hence, alternative sexual practices such as oral and anal sex, puts both men and women at risk of getting gonococci infections.
If left untreated, this STD can degenerate to other serious conditions including septicemia, meningitis and infertility.
Symptoms Gonorrhea symptoms become manifest a fortnight or so after the first exposure.
The symptoms of this STD are more apparent among men than women.
Men often experience a burning sensation while urinating, and discharge a whitish, yellow glop from the penis.
The anus also becomes irritated, and bowel movements may be painful with traces of blood.
Throat infections are also common after gonococcus infections.
The symptoms of gonorrhea are less pronounced, but equally invasive among women.
This stresses the importance of getting STD testing to prevent worsening of the disease.
Common indications of possible gonorrheal infection among women include: • Heavier than normal vaginal fluid discharge.
• Greenish, yellow vaginal fluid with a pungent odor.
• Burning sensation while urinating.
• Rectal soreness and possible fluid discharge.
Testing For Gonorrhea Typically, gonorrheal testing is not painful but can be slightly discomforting.
The clinician will require fluid samples from the infected areas, which may include the throat, cervix, urethra, pelvis or anus.
This sample is taken using a cotton swab or sponge, although a urine test may also be needed for further verification.
It is important to tell the doctor of previous sexual experiences no matter how seemingly embarrassing, in order for the exact causes to be identified and a treatment method established.
Treatment An efficient hospital or STD testing center with rapid testing facilities can confirm the presence of Neisseria gonorhoeae within a few minutes.
The bacteria are eliminated using a combination antibiotic regimen with a view to treating the infection.
Sexual partners should also be identified and treated immediately to prevent further infections.
Vaccinations against Hepatitis B and HPV and some counseling are also necessary, to prevent the likelihood of future infections.
The disease is fairly common in the world, and affects more than 700,000 people annually in the US alone.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many gonorrhea cases go unreported increasing the risk of new infections, and contributing to newer, drug-resistant strains of the bacteria.
Thus, medical STD testing is crucial for sexually active individuals, especially those with multiple sexual partners.
Prevalence Gonorrhea is a treatable STD that affects more women than men.
This is mainly because the causative bacteria mostly thrive in warm moist areas such as the female reproductive tract, including the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes and urethra.
However, men are also prone to gonorrhea, which is spread through exchange of bodily fluids, whether or not ejaculation takes place during intercourse.
Hence, alternative sexual practices such as oral and anal sex, puts both men and women at risk of getting gonococci infections.
If left untreated, this STD can degenerate to other serious conditions including septicemia, meningitis and infertility.
Symptoms Gonorrhea symptoms become manifest a fortnight or so after the first exposure.
The symptoms of this STD are more apparent among men than women.
Men often experience a burning sensation while urinating, and discharge a whitish, yellow glop from the penis.
The anus also becomes irritated, and bowel movements may be painful with traces of blood.
Throat infections are also common after gonococcus infections.
The symptoms of gonorrhea are less pronounced, but equally invasive among women.
This stresses the importance of getting STD testing to prevent worsening of the disease.
Common indications of possible gonorrheal infection among women include: • Heavier than normal vaginal fluid discharge.
• Greenish, yellow vaginal fluid with a pungent odor.
• Burning sensation while urinating.
• Rectal soreness and possible fluid discharge.
Testing For Gonorrhea Typically, gonorrheal testing is not painful but can be slightly discomforting.
The clinician will require fluid samples from the infected areas, which may include the throat, cervix, urethra, pelvis or anus.
This sample is taken using a cotton swab or sponge, although a urine test may also be needed for further verification.
It is important to tell the doctor of previous sexual experiences no matter how seemingly embarrassing, in order for the exact causes to be identified and a treatment method established.
Treatment An efficient hospital or STD testing center with rapid testing facilities can confirm the presence of Neisseria gonorhoeae within a few minutes.
The bacteria are eliminated using a combination antibiotic regimen with a view to treating the infection.
Sexual partners should also be identified and treated immediately to prevent further infections.
Vaccinations against Hepatitis B and HPV and some counseling are also necessary, to prevent the likelihood of future infections.
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