Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection that occurs in Anguilla and many other countries. Fortunately, once the infection is diagnosed it can be successfully treated, but in many cases individuals have this disorder and fail to seek medical attention thereby resulting in serious complications in females and males alike.
What is gonrrhoea?
This infection has been around for many years. It used to be known as ‘the clap’. It is caused by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae or gonococcus. Gonorrhoea is easily passed between people through:
• unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex
• sharing vibrators or other sex toys that have not been washed or covered with a new condom each time they are used
The infection can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby.
What are some symptoms of gonorrhoea?
Gonorrhoea is a common infection that, in many cases, causes no symptoms. If your partner has this disorder seek treatment even if you do not have any symptoms. Signs and symptoms of gonorrhoea infection in women include:
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Painful urination
• Vaginal bleeding between periods, such as after vaginal intercourse
• Abdominal pain
• Pelvic pain
Signs and symptoms of gonorrhea infection in men include:
• Painful urination
• Puss-like discharge from the tip of the penis
• Pain or swelling in one testicle
Gonorrhoea can also affect parts of the body such as the eyes, throat and joints resulting in sign and symptoms in these areas.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis can be easily made by a qualified medical doctor. A number of tests are available to confirm the diagnosis. Your doctor may recommend tests for other sexually transmitted infections as well.
Treatment
Adults with gonorrhoea are treated with antibiotics. The affected individual’s partner should also undergo testing and treatment for gonorrhoea, even if he or she has no signs or symptoms.
Prevention
Abstaining from sex is the surest way to prevent gonorrhoea. Avoid risky sexual behaviour at all times. If you choose to have sex, use a condom during any type of sexual contact, including anal sex, oral sex or vaginal sex. If your partner has signs or symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection, such as burning during urination or a genital rash or sore, do not have sex with that person. You should talk to your doctor about regular gonorrhoea screening if you have an increased risk of infection. You may be at increased risk of gonorrhoea if you have had gonorrhoea or other sexually transmitted infections in the past, if you have a new sex partner, or if you have multiple sex partners.
Complications
Untreated gonorrhoea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which may result in scarring of the tubes, greater risk of pregnancy complications and infertility.
Men with untreated gonorrhoea can experience epididymitis — inflammation of a small, coiled tube in the rear portion of the testicles where the sperm ducts are located (epididymis). Epididymitis is treatable but, if left untreated, it may lead to infertility.
The bacterium that causes gonorrhoea can spread through the bloodstream and infect other parts of your body, including your joints. Fever, rash, skin sores, joint pain, swelling and stiffness are possible results.
Having gonorrhoea makes you more susceptible to infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that leads to AIDS.
Complications in babies.
Babies who contract gonorrhoea from their mothers, during birth, can develop blindness, sores on the scalp and infections.
Conclusion
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted disease that can infect both men and women. It can cause infections in the genitals, rectum, and throat. It is a very common infection and can occur at all ages. Gonorrhoea can cause very serious complications when not treated, but can be cured with the right medication.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG, is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty-two years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
