Gonorrhea Symptoms: You Should Know

Gonorrhea, also known as the “clap,” is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The infection can affect both men and women and can be spread through unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex with an infected person. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, treatment, and when to see a doctor for gonorrhea.

What is Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is an STD that is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This bacterium can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat. Gonorrhea can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious health problems such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and infertility in both men and women.

Causes of Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which thrives in warm and moist areas of the body such as the genitals, rectum, and throat. The infection can be transmitted through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person, including vaginal, oral, and anal sex. It can also be spread from mother to baby during childbirth.

People who engage in high-risk sexual behavior, such as having multiple sex partners or having sex with someone who has an STD, are more likely to contract gonorrhea.

Transmission of Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected partner. This can include vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Gonorrhea can be spread even if the infected person does not have symptoms. It is important to use protection, such as condoms, during sex to reduce the risk of infection.

Symptoms of Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea symptoms can vary depending on the site of infection. Some people with gonorrhea may not experience any symptoms, while others may experience mild to severe symptoms. Common symptoms of gonorrhea in men and women include:

Pain or burning during urination
Abnormal discharge from the genitals
Painful or swollen testicles in men
Pain or bleeding during sex
Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding
Sore throat or swollen glands in the neck

If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious health complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and the spread of the infection to other parts of the body.

Treatment for Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotics. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics for gonorrhea include ceftriaxone and azithromycin. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics as directed by a healthcare provider to ensure the infection is completely cured.

People who have been diagnosed with gonorrhea should inform their sexual partners so they can also be tested and treated for the infection. It is recommended to avoid sexual activity until treatment is completed and the infection is cured to prevent the spread of the infection.

Prevention of Gonorrhea

There are several ways you can do to prevent or reduce the risk of gonorrhea, namely:

Use condoms when having sex, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
Limit the number of sex partners.
Get tested for sexually transmitted infections regularly.
Do not have sex with someone who appears to have a sexually transmitted disease.
Not changing partners or being loyal to one partner.
Do not have sexual relations outside of marriage.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience any symptoms of gonorrhea, it is important to see a doctor for testing and treatment. It is especially important to see a doctor if you have had unprotected sex with a person who has gonorrhea or if you have engaged in high-risk sexual behavior.

Gonorrhea can be easily diagnosed through a urine test or a swab of the infected area. If you test positive for gonorrhea, your healthcare provider will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.

If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms of gonorrhea and haven’t found relief, we invite you to visit Prime Plus Medical in Canggu. Our expert English-speaking doctors are available 24/7 to provide you with the best possible care. Don’t hesitate to contact us at +62 8123 7387 131 to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.

We understand how difficult it can be to deal with the effects of gonorrhea, and we’re here to help you find the relief you need. Let us be your partner in health and well-being, and visit us today at Prime Plus Medical in Canggu.