by Gloria Gibson

Created on: July 11, 2008   Last Updated: July 16, 2008

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease, second only to Chlamydia. Actually, when gonorrhea is contracted, it is very likely also to have contracted Chlamydia. It is very important for a good outcome to be tested for both. Gonorrhea is caused by a bacteria known as, Neisseria Gonorrhoaea. It can be contracted in reproductive organs, orally, in the throat, or rectally, depending on the nature of the sexual contact. Gonorrhea is curable very easily in the early stage with antibiotic therapy.

Studies have shown that gonorrhea is seen more often in African Americans, Between ages 15-24 yrs. Of age, and more often in women, respectively. It has also been noted that symptoms are seen more frequently in men. Sometimes women often seek treatment only when discovering that their sexual partner is positive for gonorrhea. Symptoms of gonorrhea usually are noticed 2-10 days after contact, however, can take months before being noticed.

Early Gonorrhea symptoms in women when there are symptoms:
1.) Pain or burning during urination
2.) Thick bloody or yellow vaginal drainage
3.) Bleeding during vaginal intercourse
Advanced gonorrhea symptoms :
1.) Cramps
2.) Pain
3.) Fever
4.) Vomiting
5.) Bleeding between menstrual cycles

These symptoms can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease ( PID ). PID can result in scar tissue in the fallopian tubes increasing ectopic pregnancy. With ectopic pregnancy, mother, infant, or both are at risk of death. Babies can contract gonorrhea in their eyes as they pass through the birth canal. These babies must have antibiotic eye drops placed in their eyes immediately after birth.

In severe cases, in either men or women, gonorrheal infection can reach the blood stream possibly infecting the brain, joints, or heart. Either of these can end in death of the patient. Gonorrhea can also lead to infertility in either men or women if left untreated.

Gonorrhea symptoms in men:
1.) Pain or burning with urination
2.) Swollen or painful testicles
3.) Thick green, yellow or white drainage from penis
4.) Pain in penis

Advanced gonorrhea symptoms in men:
1.) Prostate complications
2.) Epididymitis ( inflammation of the testicles)

Rectal gonorrhea symptoms in both men and women are:
1.) Anal itching
2.) Occasional painful bowel movements with fresh blood noted in stool

Symptoms can be noticed in 2-5 days and even up to 30 days

Throat gonorrhea is contracted through oral sex. Usually the only symptom when there is a symptom at all is sore throat. Throat gonorrhea is usually not 100% eradicated with treatment so it is very important to be retested after treatment.

At first sign of symptoms or if learning a sexual partner is infected with gonorrhea you should immediately see your family doctor or go to your nearest clinic.
Testing for gonorrhea consists of :
1.) Direct staining sample for the Neiseria Gonorrhoeae
2.) Detecting bacterial genes or DNA in urine sample
3.) Cultures of sample that shows growth of bacteria
4.) Urine or cervical swabs to detect genes or DNA of bacteria
5.) Culture of throat swab to detect throat gonorrhea
6.) Culture also used to detect Doxycycline or Cipro resistant strain of bacteria

The best treatment is to never get the bacteria. This can be done by
1.) Practicing abstinence
2.) Having only one sex partner that has tested negative for gonorrhea
3.) Always properly using condoms when having sex

Treatment for gonorrhea is antibiotics. The antibiotics used are:
1.) Ceftriaxone plus doxycycline
2.) Cefixime
3.) Ciprofloxacin ( cipro)
4.) Single- dose- cephalosporin regimen
5.) Gentamycin for resistant bacteria

Most clinicians will use more than one test for gonorrhea and they should also test for Chlamydia.

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