Gonorrhea
DEFINITION
Gonorrhoea (Gonorrhea) is a highly infectious disease
acquired by sexual intercourse or other intimate sexual activities
and is commonly known as ‘the clap’. It is caused by a bacterium
called Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
acquired by sexual intercourse or other intimate sexual activities
and is commonly known as ‘the clap’. It is caused by a bacterium
called Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
DESCRIPTION
Despite the increased attention on STDs such as HIV and
genital herpes, Gonorrhoea is still a significant problem in the
world. It can occur in the genitals, anus and throat of both men
and women, depending on the type of sexual activity. Gonorrhoea
usually has a incubation period of 2-7 days after contact and the
symptoms vary significantly between men and women.
genital herpes, Gonorrhoea is still a significant problem in the
world. It can occur in the genitals, anus and throat of both men
and women, depending on the type of sexual activity. Gonorrhoea
usually has a incubation period of 2-7 days after contact and the
symptoms vary significantly between men and women.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
In women, there may be minimal or no symptoms with a mild
attack. When symptoms occur, they include a foul smelling discharge
from the vagina; pain on passing urine; pain in the lower abdomen;
passing urine frequently; tender glands in the groin; and fever.
Whether symptoms are present or not, the infection can move further
into the body, and involve the womb and fallopian tubes. This can
lead to chronic pelvic inflammatory disease or inflamed
ovaries.
attack. When symptoms occur, they include a foul smelling discharge
from the vagina; pain on passing urine; pain in the lower abdomen;
passing urine frequently; tender glands in the groin; and fever.
Whether symptoms are present or not, the infection can move further
into the body, and involve the womb and fallopian tubes. This can
lead to chronic pelvic inflammatory disease or inflamed
ovaries.
In men, the symptoms are usually obvious, with a yellow milky
discharge from the penis, pain on passing urine and, in advanced
cases, inflamed glands in the groin. If left untreated, the
prostate can become infected, which can cause scarring of the urine
tube, permanent difficulty in passing urine and reduced
fertility.
discharge from the penis, pain on passing urine and, in advanced
cases, inflamed glands in the groin. If left untreated, the
prostate can become infected, which can cause scarring of the urine
tube, permanent difficulty in passing urine and reduced
fertility.
If infection has occurred via the anus, an anal discharge, mild
diarrhoea, rectal discomfort and pain on passing faeces are the
common symptoms. Oral sex can lead to the development of a
gonococcal throat infection.
diarrhoea, rectal discomfort and pain on passing faeces are the
common symptoms. Oral sex can lead to the development of a
gonococcal throat infection.
Some other less common complications of Gonorrhoea include
Gonococcal conjunctivitis; septicaemia; scarring of the uterus and
fallopian tubes in women; and Gonococcal arthritis.
Gonococcal conjunctivitis; septicaemia; scarring of the uterus and
fallopian tubes in women; and Gonococcal arthritis.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Gonorrhoea should always be diagnosed and treated by a Doctor.
Diagnosis is confirmed by your Doctor taking a swab of the infected
area to verify the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Treatment is
usually oral or intravenous antibiotics although some varieties of
Gonorrhoea have become resistant to standard antibiotic regimens.
All sexual contacts should be notified as they may also be carrying
the disease. After treatment, a follow-up swab is important to
ensure that the infection has been adequately treated.
Diagnosis is confirmed by your Doctor taking a swab of the infected
area to verify the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Treatment is
usually oral or intravenous antibiotics although some varieties of
Gonorrhoea have become resistant to standard antibiotic regimens.
All sexual contacts should be notified as they may also be carrying
the disease. After treatment, a follow-up swab is important to
ensure that the infection has been adequately treated.
Some degree of protection from catching Gonorrhoea can be obtained
by using condoms, but this is not a total protection and has a
failure rate of 5-10%.
by using condoms, but this is not a total protection and has a
failure rate of 5-10%.
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
- If you have any queries regarding your treatment for
Gonorrhoea, ask your Pharmacist. - It is recommended that patients abstain from sexual contact
until the treatment is complete.