Gonorrhoea is caused by a bacterium known as Neisseria Gonorrhoeae. This microorganism prefers the warm and moist areas of the body, especially the mucous membranes found in the genital tract. However, it's not limited to this region; the bacteria can also inhabit the mouth, throat, and eyes.
Transmission usually occurs through sexual contact, encompassing vaginal, anal, and oral sex. However, it's also worth noting that individuals who have multiple sexual partners, have a history of other sexually transmitted infections, engage in unprotected sex, or started being sexually active at a young age are often at a higher risk.
Understanding these causes and risk factors empowers individuals to take preventative actions, like using condoms or dental dams. Frequent screenings for sexually transmitted infections can also be essential, especially for those at higher risk of contracting gonorrhea.
The only way to determine if you have gonorrhoea is to be tested at a sexual health clinic. If you suspect have gonorrhoea or any other sexually transmitted infection, it's important not to delay getting tested or have sexual intercourse with any other person. It's important to be tested within a few days of having sex, but you may be advised to wait up to a week. You can be tested even if you do not have any symptoms.
Early diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhoea reduces the risk of complications developing, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or infection in the testicles. Complications that arise from long-term infection are much more difficult to treat. Many risk factors contribute to catching Gonorrhoea such as: Multiple sexual partners, a history of other STDs, and engaging in unprotected sex.
The tricky aspect of gonorrhoea is that it can often be asymptomatic, especially in women. This makes regular screening crucial for early detection and treatment.
For men who do show symptoms, these may include:
Painful urination
Pus-like discharge from the penis
Swelling or pain in one testicle
Anal discharge and discomfort if the infection is in the rectum
Women's symptoms are often less noticeable or can be mistaken for other conditions like urinary tract infections or yeast infections. Some symptoms in women may include:
Painful urination
Increased vaginal discharge
Vaginal bleeding between periods
Abdominal or pelvic pain
Gonorrhoea can also affect other parts of the body:
Oral Gonorrhoea: May result in a sore throat, but often has no symptoms.
Rectal Gonorrhoea: Symptoms may include anal itching, pus-like discharge from the rectum, spots of bright red blood on toilet tissue, or painful bowel movements.
Ophthalmic Gonorrhoea: If it affects the eyes, symptoms might involve eye pain, sensitivity to light, and pus-like discharge from one or both eyes.
Preventing gonorrhoea involves taking measures like consistently using male or female condoms during vaginal intercourse, or male condoms during anal intercourse. When engaging in oral sex, it's important to use a condom to cover the penis or a latex or plastic square (dam) to protect female genitals. Additionally, avoid sharing sex toys, and if you do, ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and covered with a fresh condom before someone else uses them. These precautions can help reduce the risk of gonorrhoea transmission. STD testing regularly when having multiple sexual partners is importantin making sure your clean from std’s.
Gonorrhoea is usually treated with a single antibiotic injection, which is normally administered in the thigh or buttock. Effective treatment should improve most of your symptoms within a few days. It's recommended that you attend a follow-up appointment a week or 2 after treatment so another test can be carried out to see if you're clear of infection. You should avoid having sex until you have been told you no longer have the infection.
In women, gonorrhoea can spread to the reproductive organs and cause pelvic inflammatory disease. This occurs in an estimated 10 to 20% of cases of untreated gonorrhoea. PID can lead to long-term pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility.
During pregnancy, gonorrhoea can cause many problems such as miscarriage, premature labour, and birth, plus the baby can be born with conjunctivitis. If the baby is not treated with antibiotics, there's a risk of progressive and permanent vision damage.
Understanding the causes, symptoms, testing methods, and Gonnorhoea treatment options empowers individuals to recognise and address the condition promptly. By implementing preventive measures and seeking appropriate medical care, you can manage thrush effectively and reduce its impact on your overall well-being.
Consulting a sexual health clinic or Broadgate GP is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.
