Gonorrhea: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention and Treatment

Do you always feel uncomfortable in your genitals, rectum and throat and do not know the cause? This can be a sign of Gonorrhea infection in your body. It is a sexually transmitted infection, i.e. it can be transmitted from an infected individual to a non-carrier through unprotected sexual intercourse.

Gonorrhoea can cause several infections in the rectum, genitals and throat, but its effect is mostly felt in the genitals and the urinary tract. It is caused by a bacterium known as Neisseria gonorrhoeae, transmitted through unprotected sexual contact with the carrier.

Gonorrhea is sometimes referred to as “the clap” or “drip”; it can be transmitted to both males and females, but youths (under 25) are at more risk of contracting this infection.

Also, check Urinary Tract Infections: causes and prevention

This is a health problem that can cause more harm to a person’s well-being if it is not treated effectively and can also be spread to anyone who has intercourse with the individual.

Causes of Gonorrhea Infection

This sexually transmitted infection is caused by a bacteria known as Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can be contracted when a healthy individual has sexual intercourse (either oral, anal, or vaginal) with a carrier.

A child can also get the infection during delivery (vaginal delivery), but one can not contract it by touching toilet seats, clothes, or surfaces of any object.

Symptoms

Several signs indicate that a person has gotten infected with gonorrhoea infection, and these symptoms can be present in both males and females. Some of the organs in the body where you can notice this symptoms include:

Men

For men they may have symptoms like;

• White, yellow or green discharge from the penis
• Pain in the testis
• Swollen testicles
• Severe or mild pain when peeing

Women

Some women do not show any symptoms or show symptoms that can be linked to other infections. Here are some of the symptoms of gonorrhoea that you can watch out for as a lady:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge (the colour may be white or yellow)
• Bleeding between periods
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis
• Pain when peeing

Other Symptoms

There are some other symptoms that an individual may have when he or she contracts This sexually transmitted infection, and it can occur either on the throat or Anus. The symptoms are:

Anus

The symptoms that an infected individual may experience include:

• Itching
• discharge from the rectum
• Pain when trying to empty your bowel

Throat

• Sore throat
• Itchy feeling
• Trouble with swallowing

Prevention

The best way to prevent and protect yourself from getting infected with Gonorrhea is ABSTINENCE. Abstain from having unprotected sexual intercourse, especially with the following people:

• A new sex partner
• Someone who has or is showing its symptoms
• Someone who has multiple sex partners
• Someone who has any sexually transmitted disease
• Someone who has been infected with gonorrhea before
• If you are under the age of 25.

Also,

• Ensure that you get tested for gonorrhoea and that your partner is tested for it, too.
• Always use a condom during sex

Treatment

Immediately, you notice unusual signs in your body, and they are related to any of the symptoms mentioned above; it may be an indication that you have contracted an infection or STI. Quickly rush to your healthcare provider for them to conduct a test for proper diagnosis.

You will be treated with antibiotics if the infection is gonorrhoea or other STIs. If you are pregnant, meet your doctor for the best treatment so that your baby will be safe.

Summary

Gonorrhea is one of the sexually transmitted diseases that can cause severe harm to the body and can lead to infertility, severe heart verve damage, and arthritis. That is why every individual who notices any unusual symptoms in their body should visit their health care provider for adequate treatment.

Another way to stay safe is to prevent and protect yourself from contracting the infection, especially as a youth (under 25).

What is that chest pain you are feeling on the left side? Is it very painful or mild? And from the level of pain you are feeling, you may be having fear that it is a heart disease.

Left-side chest pain may not only occur when you have a heart disease or an ailment related to the heart. Lungs and digestive tract issues are also a recognized factor that causes left-side chest pain.

This chest pain has several causes, and this article will explain them; read on to learn more.

Major Causes of Left-Side Chest Pain

If you are experiencing chest pain, one of the several health conditions listed here may be the cause.

Heart and Blood Vessel-related Issues

Heart attack, coronary artery disease, blood vessel blockage, aortic dissection, coronary artery dissection and lots more are some of the several issues that are related to heart health that may be the cause of the left-side chest pain you are having.

Issues related to your heart or blood vessels can be the major cause of left-side chest pain, and you are advised to visit your healthcare provider for the best and most immediate treatment you should take.

Checkout: Fatty substances and heart diseases

Lung related issues

Respiratory disease conditions like pneumonia, pleurisy (inflammation of the lining around the lungs), and pneumothorax (collapsed lung) can also be major causes of chest pain.

Asthma, pulmonary hypertension and embolism can also contribute immensely to that painful sensation that you are having on your chest.

Digestive Issues

Some medical conditions in your digestive system or tract can be the major cause of the left chest pain that you are having, and some of these conditions include:

• Gastritis: Inflammation in the lining of the stomach
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas
• Esophageal Spasm: Abnormal contraction of muscles in the oesophagus.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A condition whereby the stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus.
• Hiatal hernia: A condition that occurs when a part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.

These disease conditions related to the digestive system can also be the major causes of left-side chest pain.

Also, see How our body breaks down food

Musculoskeletal Issues

This refers to the muscle and bone issues that may contribute to left-side chest pain, and some of them include:

• Broken or injured rib
• Costochondritis: Inflammation of the cartilage that connects the rib to the breastbone.
• Sore Muscles

Other Issues

Inflammation of the spleen, lung cancer, panic attacks and shingles are some other issues that can result in left-side chest pain.

Summary

The left-side chest pain you are feeling may be mild or severe. Some may be caused by easy-to-treat health conditions, while others may be caused by a chronic health condition.

Knowing the cause of pain is important in determining how to treat it. Generally, you are advised to visit your healthcare provider or a healthcare expert for the best treatment for the medical conditions causing the pain.