Gonorrhea also called "Clap or dribble"

It is a very common bacterial sexually transmitted disease that affects both men and women. Gonorrhea mainly affects the urethra, rectum, or throat, but in women it can also affect the cervix. In babies, gonorrhea mainly affects the eyes. In some cases, infected people have no symptoms. Being in a monogamous relationship, using a condom during sex, and abstaining from sex are all ways to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

SYMPTOM

Gonorrhea symptoms usually appear 2 to 5 days after infection; however, in men it can take up to a month to appear. Others show no symptoms. This is especially dangerous because they do not seek treatment and continue to pass the disease on to their sexual partners. It also puts them at risk for serious complications.

In men, symptoms can include:

• burning and pain when urinating
• increased frequency of urination and urgency
• pus-like discharge from the tip of the penis, which may be white, yellow, or green
• tender or swollen testicles
• sore throat (gonococcal pharyngitis)

In women, symptoms can include:

• pain when urinating
• discharge from the vagina
• increased urination
• sore throat
• painful sex
• Severe pain in the lower abdomen: This symptom is due to the spread of infection to the fallopian tubes and stomach area. It is usually accompanied by a fever.
• vaginal bleeding between periods, such as after vaginal intercourse
• pelvic bread
• Conjunctivitis (red, itchy eyes)

TREATMENT

Gonorrhea can be treated and cured. The goal here is to treat infected people and their sexual partners. In adults, gonorrhea is treated with an antibiotic that can be taken by mouth or by injection. It is important to take all of your antibiotics even if you feel better. Never treat your gonorrhea with someone else’s medication. This only makes treating yours more difficult. Due to emerging strains of resistant drugs Neisseria gonorrheaThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a group of drugs known as cephalosporins to treat uncomplicated cases of gonorrhea.

You can get reinfected if your partner is not treated. It is important that your partner is tested and treated. Your partner will receive the same treatment as you. This helps prevent further spread of the disease.

Babies born to mothers with gonorrhea are given medication in the eyes shortly after birth to prevent infection; however, if an infection occurs, they are given antibiotics to treat it.

CAUTION: Do not have sex when you are receiving treatment.

PREVENTION

Abstinence is the only absolute method to prevent gonorrhea. You can also lower your risk by being in a monogamous relationship and using condoms when you have sex. Also ask your partner to be screened for the disease and consider getting tested for gonorrhea regularly if you are at higher risk.