Gonorrhea is said to be a sexually transmitted disease which can actually cause for a loss of fertility. When this condition affects women, it is known to cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which is known to increase the chances of her having an ectopic pregnancy. Women suffering from a gonorrhea infection might be at the risk of having a premature delivery and in many cases, the child is stillborn. It is important that you learn the truths about this condition and how to diagnose and treat it.
How does this condition get transmitted from one person to another?
In most cases, this condition, which is also known as the clap, is caused by bacteria called the Neisseria gonorrhea. These bacteria are known to inhabit moist areas of the body, which will include the throat, rectum, eyes, vagina and the penis.
Gonorrhea could spread by contact within any of these areas. This condition can also spread by touch, making matters worse. Indulging in any form of sexual activity with a person who suffers from the condition is not safe (vaginal, oral or rectal sex).
Who is prone to this disease?
Any person who has recently been sexually active could be at a risk for gonorrhea. It is most prevalent amongst people who fall under the age group of 15 to 30. Women who indulge in sexual relations with a man who has already been infected will be at a 70% – 90% risk of infecting themselves. The risk ratio is lower for a man having sexual relations with an infected woman, with the risk running at 30% – 50%.
What are the symptoms of this sexually transmitted disease?
The symptoms of gonorrhea will differ in the case of men and women.
Women:
When women get affected by this condition, it will first affect their cervix. If left untreated, this condition might even spread and infect the fallopian tubes and the uterus. In most cases, the symptoms in women will go unnoticed. Some of the symptoms might include:
- A burning sensation while urinating
- General irritation along the outer area of the vagina
- Abnormality in bleeding
- Vaginal discharge of some sort
Men:
In almost 20% of the cases, men’s symptoms of gonorrhea will be overlooked. If and when this condition afflicts men, the symptoms seen will be:
- Frequent urination
- Swollen glands in the groin area
- Blood in the urine
- Stinging pain experienced during urination
- Yellow colored pus discharge from the penis tip
- Redness around the head of the penis
How does this disease impact the reproductive health of women?
Infections like Chlamydia, which result from an infection of Neisseria gonorrhea, will tend to bring along with it PID, ectopic pregnancies, tubal infertility and chronic pain in the pelvic area. According to latest studies, there may be more bad news. Some of the newer studies claim that gonococcal infections could allow for the transmission of HIV.
How to prevent gonorrhea?
The easiest and most effective way to avoid gonorrhea would be to use a condom during any kind of sexual act. Remember, if you’re not in a monogamous relationship, it is of utmost importance that you protect yourself by indulging in only safe sexual practices, if and when you do indulge in sex.
