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).