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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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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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