What is Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can infect both men and women, affecting the genital tract, rectum, and throat. Gonorrhea is one of the most frequently reported STIs worldwide, with millions of new infections each year. In Singapore, it is a significant public health concern, particularly among sexually active individuals under 30.
FAQ on Gonorrhea
How is Gonorrhea transmitted?
Gonorrhea is transmitted through sexual contact with the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus of an infected person. The bacterium can be passed on even if the infected person does not have any symptoms. Key transmission points include:
- Sexual Contact: Direct contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person.
- Mother-to-Child: An infected mother can pass gonorrhea to her baby during childbirth, which may cause serious health issues like eye infections or pneumonia in the newborn.
- Asymptomatic Transmission: Many individuals with gonorrhea do not exhibit symptoms but can still spread the infection to their sexual partners unknowingly.
What are the symptoms of Gonorrhea?
Many people with gonorrhea do not experience symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they usually appear within 2 to 14 days and may include:
- In women:
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Burning sensation during urination
- Vaginal bleeding between periods
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- In men:
- Discharge from the penis (white, yellow, or green)
- Burning sensation during urination
- Pain or swelling in one or both testicles
- In both:
- Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding if the infection is in the rectum
- Throat infection (sore throat) if contracted through oral sex
What are the complications of untreated Gonorrhea?
If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious health problems, including:
- In women:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause infertility
- Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy
- In men:
- Epididymitis, which can affect fertility
- In both:
- Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI), which can affect joints and the bloodstream, causing life-threatening conditions
- Increased risk of contracting or transmitting other STIs, including HIV.
How is Gonorrhea diagnosed?
Gonorrhea is diagnosed through:
- Urine Test: Testing a urine sample for the bacteria.
- Swab Test: Taking a sample from the cervix, urethra, throat, or rectum and analyzing it in a lab.
Quick diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications and further spread.
How is Gonorrhea treated?
Gonorrhea is usually treated with antibiotics. The most common treatments include:
- Antibiotics:
- Ceftriaxone: Typically given as an injection.
- Azithromycin: Usually taken as oral tablets.
- Follow-up Care: It’s important to complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if symptoms disappear. Avoid sexual activity until the infection is fully cleared, usually after one week of treatment. Follow-up testing may be recommended to ensure the infection is gone.
- Treatment for Partners: Sexual partners should also be tested and treated to prevent re-infection.
Can Gonorrhea be prevented?
Gonorrhea can be prevented by:
- Using condoms consistently and correctly during sexual activity.
- Having regular STI screenings, especially if you have multiple sexual partners.
- Maintaining a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner.
- Communicating with sexual partners about STI status and risks.
- Avoiding sexual contact with individuals who have symptoms of gonorrhea or other STIs until they have been tested and treated.
