Gonorrhoea is a preventable and curable sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium (Neisseria gonorrhoea),which is primarily transmitted through vaginal,oral or anal sex.Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a type of bacteria.It usually spreads through vaginal,oral or anal sex .
Most cases of gonorrhoea can be prevented with regular and correct condom use.Gonorrhoea causes different symptoms in women and men.Women often feel no symptoms, but untreated infection can lead to infertility and problems during pregnancy.
Common symptoms in men include pain or burning when urinating, discharge from the penis and sometimes pain in the testes.
Gonorrhoea can be passed from a pregnant mother to her baby.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Gonorrhoea can cause symptoms in the genital,anus or throat .Men and women may experience different symptoms.
Symptoms usually begins 1-14 days after sexual contact with an infected person.
In men common symptoms include;
*A white, yellow or greenish discharge.
*Pain or burn when urinating.
*Painful or swollen tetes .
Most women with gonorrhoea do not have symptoms or do not notice them .Of they occur ,they include;
*Vaginal discharge
*Pain or burning when urinating
*Vaginal bleeding between periods or during sexual intercourse.
Anal infection in women and men can cause ;
*Discharge .
*Bleeding.
*Itchness .
*Soreness.
*Painful bowel movement.
Throat infection often have no symptoms.If symptoms occur ,they can include redness,pain and sore throat . Infants born to mothers with gonorrhoea may develop an eye infection.This causes redness ,pain , soreness ulcers and tearing.This is preventable with eye medications for newborns.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Untreated N.gonorrhoea infection can lead to complication and sequelae in women such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy and infertility.
Complication in men are scrotal swelling , urethral stricture and infertility.
Neonatal conjunctivitis (eye infection)if untreated may lead to blindness.
TREATMENT
Gonorrhoea is treated with antibiotics called cephalosporins .These include;
1.Ceftriaxone , usually given by injection and is the preferred treatment.
2.Cefixime , usually given orally with another antibiotic azithromycin but only when ceftriaxone is not feasible
People should wait 7 days after taking the medication before having sex.
Treatment can fail due to ;
*Not taking medication as directed.
*Reinfection.
*The bacterium becoming resistance to the drug .
*Having another untreated infection with similar symptoms.
