Gonorrhea is most common transmitted diseases and caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The disease most frequently affects 15-25-year-olds, although the number of cases has fallen in recent years. Gonorrhoea is mainly transmitted through contact. However, mothers infected with gonorrhoea can also transfer the disease to their children during delivery. Gonorrhoea (Gonorrhea) can also affect the eyes. Gonococcal conjunctivitis is an infection of the thin, transparent conjunctiva (skin) covering the eye and inner eyelids. The first place this bacterium infects is usually the columnar epithelium of the urethra and endocervix .
Causes of Gonorrhea
The common causes and risk factor’s of Gonorrhea include the following:
Bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Use of an intrauterine device.
It can also be passed from mother to newborn as the baby passes through the infected birth canal.
Persons with a new partner.
Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a bacterium that can grow and multiply easily in mucous membranes of the body. Gonorrhea bacteria can grow in the warm, moist areas of the reproductive tract, including the cervix (opening to the womb), uterus (womb), and fallopian tubes (egg canals) in women, and in the urethra (urine canal) in women and men. The bacteria can also grow in the mouth, throat, and anus.
Anyone who is sexually active can contract gonorrhoea, especially those who change partners frequently or do not use a barrier method of contraception, such as a condom, when having sexual intercourse. Gonorrhoea cannot be transmitted through casual contact such as in swimming pools, from toilet seats or in saunas.
Women with gonorrhoea can also pass the infection onto their baby during birth. This can result in an infection of the babys eyes that may lead to blindness if left untreated.
Gonorrhea Symptoms
For men, these gonorrhea symptoms include a burning sensation when urinating, frequent urination, or a thick white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis. Sometimes, gonorrhea symptoms can include painful or swollen testicles. This indicates an infection of the urethra. The penis will probably look redder and tender than usual, and there might be swelling of the glands in the groin area.
Most infected women, on the other hand, do not usually exhibit gonorrhea symptoms or quite often only have mild symptoms. Because a large number of women do not show signs of the infection, gonorrhea is sometimes referred to as the “silent infection.” This is patently dangerous for women, because gonorrhea can lead to serious and permanent complications if left untreated.
While women feel fewer symptoms, they are far more vulnerable to serious complications of gonorrhea. Left untreated, gonorrhea can work its way up the urethra and cervix to other pelvic organs. The result is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a very common condition that strikes well over a million North American women every year and can cause infertility.
Treatment Gonorrhea
If you test positive for gonorrhea, don’t worry; the disease is easily treatable. You will likely be offered an antibiotic, either in pill form or by injection. A single dose is usually all that is required, but some antibiotics require longer courses. Common antibiotics for gonorrhea include: Ofloxacin, Cefixine, and Ceftriaxine.
If you are pregnant and have gonorrhea, or if you are under the age of 18, it is important to tell your doctor. Certain antibiotics shouldn’t be used by pregnant women or by people under 18.
It is important to take all of the medication that is prescribed to you, even if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms. You must also abstain from sex until you have tested negative for the disease. If you have tested positive for gonorrhea, any and all sexual partners you have had should also be tested in order to prevent spreading the infection as well as to avoid future complications.
