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Gonorrhoea Symptoms: Signs and Treatment

Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria. Symptoms include discharge, burning during urination, and inflammation. Learn about signs and treatment.

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Things worth knowing about "Gonorrhoea Symptoms"

Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria. Symptoms include discharge, burning during urination, and inflammation. Learn about signs and treatment.

What is Gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea (also spelled gonorrhea) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide. It is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae and can infect the urogenital tract, rectum, throat, and eyes. Without treatment, gonorrhoea can lead to serious health complications.

Symptoms in Men

In men, symptoms typically appear 2 to 7 days after infection. Common signs include:

Purulent or yellowish-green discharge from the urethra
Burning or pain during urination (dysuria)
Redness and swelling of the urethral opening
Pain or swelling in the testicular area (if the epididymis is affected)

Symptoms in Women

Women often experience no symptoms or only mild ones, which means the infection can go unnoticed. Possible symptoms include:

Unusual vaginal discharge (increased, yellowish, or foul-smelling)
Pain or burning during urination
Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
Spotting between periods or heavier menstrual bleeding
Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)

Symptoms at Other Body Sites

Gonococci can also affect other areas of the body:

Rectal gonorrhoea: Itching, discharge, and pain in the anal area
Pharyngeal gonorrhoea (throat infection): Often asymptomatic, occasionally sore throat
Ocular gonorrhoea (eye infection): Purulent discharge from the eye, swollen eyelids (especially in newborns)

When to See a Doctor

If gonorrhoea is suspected, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential, as untreated gonorrhoea can lead to serious complications, including:

Infertility (in both men and women)
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women
Spread of infection to other organs (disseminated gonococcal infection)
Increased risk of HIV transmission

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by taking a swab from the affected site (urethra, cervix, throat, or rectum) followed by laboratory analysis. A urine test or a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) may also be used, as NAAT is particularly sensitive and accurate.

Treatment

Gonorrhoea is treated with antibiotics. Due to increasing antibiotic resistance, current guidelines often recommend a combination therapy, for example with ceftriaxone. Both sexual partners must be treated simultaneously to prevent reinfection. Sexual intercourse should be avoided during treatment.

Prevention

The most effective measures to prevent gonorrhoea include:

Consistent use of condoms during sexual activity
Regular STI testing for those with multiple sexual partners
Open communication with sexual partners about health status

References

World Health Organization (WHO): Gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection). Available at: www.who.int
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Gonorrhea - CDC Fact Sheet (2023). Available at: www.cdc.gov
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC): Gonorrhoea. Available at: www.ecdc.europa.eu

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