Gonorrhea - Symptoms & Treatment

Gonorrhea is an infection caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae . The bacteria can be passed from one person to another through oral even when the person who is infected has no symptoms. In women, the cervix is the most common site of infection. However, the disease can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes, resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease. The more partners you have, the greater your risk. An infected pregnant woman also can pass gonorrhea to her baby during delivery. Casual contact, such as kissing, doesn't spread the disease. More than 355,000 cases of gonorrhea were reported in the United States in 1998. More than 5% of people between the ages of 18 and 35 have an infection with gonorrhea that they do not know about. New strains are more easily spread and are resisting treatment even with strong antibiotics.

The complications of gonorrhea may be included inflammation of the heart valves, arthritis, and eye infections. It is the second most commonly reported bacterial STI in the United States following chlamydia. It can also be passed from a mother to her baby during birth. You cannot catch gonorrhea from a towel, a doorknob, or a toilet seat. Gonococcal infections following perinatal transmission are a major source of morbidity worldwide. Gonococcal infections following perinatal transmission are a major source of morbidity worldwide. In addition to gonorrhea playing a major role in PID, some health researchers think it adds to the risk of getting HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection. The bacteria can grow in several places in the body, including the cervix (opening to the womb), uterus (womb), urethra (urine canal), mouth, throat, eyes and anus. The rate of STDs in this country is 50 to 100 times higher than that of any other industrialized nation. After adequate treatment, the prognosis in both males and females is excellent, although reinfection is common.

Causes of Gonorrhea

The common Causes of Gonorrhea :

• Gonorrhea is caused by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
• Injury.
• Crystalline diseases.
• Infection.

Symptoms of Gonorrhea

Some Symptoms of Gonorrhea :

• Pain on urination.
• Abdominal pain.
• Incontinence.
• Fever.
• Urethral discharge.
• Swelling of the genitals.
• Pelvic cramping.
• Redness of the genitals.

Treatment of Gonorrhea

• Several antibiotics such as ceftriaxone (Rocephin) can successfully cure gonorrhea in adolescents and adults.
• Ofloxacin.
• Instead of the standard penicillin treatment, gonorrhea may be now treated by a large number of new and very potent antibiotics.
• Pain relief may be needed for patients with epididymitis, PID, and DGI.
• Chlamydial infection is found frequently in patients with gonorrhea; thus, empiric antibiotic therapy should be sufficient to treat both infections.
• If you are pregnant or younger than 18, the doctor will usually prescribe the shot instead of a pill.
• Tetracycline
• Over-the-counter pain relievers may reduce signs or symptoms, these medications won't cure gonorrhea.
• A single dose of ceftriaxone and erythromycin for seven days is recommended for pregnant patients and those allergic to penicillin.