Gonorrhea is a type of bacterial infection that is transmitted through sexual contact. It affects both men and women and is considered as one of the oldest kinds of sexually transmitted diseases that are plaguing the United States today.
If you want to know more about this disease, then we suggest you continue reading as we are going to tackle some common questions about gonorrhea infection in today’s entry.
What Is Gonorrhea And How Can A Person Get Infected By This Disease?
Gonorrhea is caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae organism that is transferred from one person to another during unprotected sex. And more than half of individuals who have contracted this disease are also prone to be infected with chlamydia, which is another type of STD.
One of the most common misconceptions about gonorrhea is it can be transmitted through door handles and toilet seats. This is not possible since the bacteria require a very specific condition to grow and reproduce. And this condition can only be found inside the human body, which also explains why the bacteria can’t survive outside for a few minutes. Not even on your hands, legs or arms as it only thrives in the vagina, cervix, and the urethra.
In some cases, the bacteria that cause gonorrhea can also be found in the back area of the throat from oral sex and inside the rectum due to anal sex.
What Are The Early Symptoms Of Gonorrhea And How Will It Develop Later?
Most women who are infected from gonorrhea will show no symptoms of the disease, especially in its early stages. However, some early symptoms are as follows:
- Burning sensation
- Painful urination
- Redness and swelling
- Yellowish discharge
- Itchy feeling around the vaginal area
- Sore throat
On the other hand, undiagnosed gonorrhea can result in inflammation of the pelvis, fallopian tube, and ovaries as well as other serious complications like infertility and AIDS.
Can It Be Cured?
In the past, a single penicillin injection can already cure the disease. Unfortunately, new strains have developed resistance against common over-the-counter antibiotics, making it more difficult to cure. Thankfully, new strains of gonorrhea can still be cured by oral medications and injectable antibiotics.
To be specific, mild gonorrhea infections in the cervix, rectum, and urethra are cured by injecting a dose of ceftriaxone intramuscularly or by taking cefixime orally, while a single dose ceftriaxone can also treat gonococcal infection of the pharynx.
Moreover, any treatment done should also include medications for chlamydia like azithromycin and doxycycline as any person who is infected with gonorrhea can also be infected with chlamydia.
It is also important to take note that the use of doxycycline is permitted, but NOT for pregnant women.
Final Thoughts
Overall, gonorrhea infection can be prevented by abstinence or using condoms during sexual intercourse and avoid sharing vibrators and other sex toys if necessary. Moreover, undergoing STD screening is also recommended so any undiagnosed cases can be addressed accordingly to prevent any serious and life-threatening conditions from happening in the future.
Visit Call on Doc today if you’re experiencing some symptoms. Their online gonorrhea testing and treatment can help solve the problem without the embarassment.