Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is one of the oldest known sexually transmitted infections, commonly known as the drip. The disease shows no symptoms. Though it can be silent, this stealthy infection can lead to serious, long-term health problems like infertility if left untreated. 

1.0What is Gonorrhea?

• Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. 
• It is spread by sexual contact, and it primarily affects the reproductive tract, but besides that, it can also infect the rectum, throat, and eyes. 
• The infection causes a burning sensation during urination in males, but remains asymptomatic in women. 
• This makes it a dangerous disease as it can silently spread within the body and cause fetal complications.

2.0Pathogenesis of Gonorrhea 

Entry into the Body

• Bacteria mostly enter the body through sexual contact with an infected person. 
• It can enter the body via the mucus membranes of the urethra, cervix, rectum, throat, or eyes. 

Attachment to host cells

• The bacteria attach to the epithelial cells of the infested area via hair-like projections (pili) and outer membrane proteins. 
• This attachment helps them from being washed away by urine or mucus. 

Invasion of Tissues

• Once established, these bacteria penetrate the lining of reproductive tissues and release toxins and enzymes, triggering an inflammatory response and the formation of pus. 

Immune Evasion

• Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria can alter their surface proteins, allowing them to evade the immune system. 
• This is why reinfection is common even after treatment. 

Spread within the body

• The infection can spread from the cervix to the uterus and fallopian tubes in women, which leads to pelvic inflammatory disease. 
• If left untreated, in some severe cases, the bacteria may escape into the bloodstream, resulting in disseminated gonococcal infection. 

3.0Gonorrhea Causes 

• The primary cause of gonorrhea is the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which can enter the body via unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.
• Gonorrhea can also be congenital; that is, an infected mother can transfer this disease to her child, causing severe eye infection and sometimes blindness if left untreated. 
• Although gonorrhea can infect anybody, and any gender, certain risk factors can increase one's chances of getting infected with this disease: 
• Having multiple sex partners. 
• A family history of the infection 
• Incorrect or inconsistent use of condoms. 
• Under the age of 25. 

4.0Gonorrhea Symptoms 

The gonorrhea symptoms can usually appear within 2 to 14 days of exposure to an infected person, and can differ based on gender. Such as: 

5.0Diagnosis of Gonorrhea 

Diagnosis of gonorrhea can be done in various ways, among which the best one will be decided based on the patient’s condition and type of gonorrhea. These tests are:  

• A pelvic exam can be done by taking a fluid sample from the cervix for testing. 
• A urine sample diagnosis 
• Collecting and testing the fluid from the throat or rectum. 
• Test of a fluid sample from the penis. 

6.0Gonorrhea Treatment 

• Being a bacterial infection, Gonorrhea is treated primarily with antibiotics. In this case, ceftriaxone is used to treat the disease, and the prescription is determined based on the patient’s weight. Alternative antibiotics can also be used if allergic. 
• It takes almost 1 to 2 weeks for the gonorrhea bacteria to clear up. 
• Essential guidelines for taking these medicines include completing the full course of treatment even if symptoms disappear early. 
• If left unchecked, even a few of these bacteria can return stronger, resistant to antibiotics. 
• All the sexual partners should also be tested and treated; besides that, no sexual contact until fully treated. 

7.0Gonorrhea Prevention 

• Safe Sexual Practices: If sexually active, make sure to use condoms during vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse. 
• One Partner: Avoid having multiple sexual partners to reduce the risk of gonorrhea.  
• Routine STI Testing: Get yourself and your partner tested regularly to prevent STI transmission.   
• Pregnancy Testing: Pregnant women with this infection or a family history of the disease must get themselves tested to prevent transmission to babies. 
• Be Vocal: Talk about STIs and spread knowledge about this disease to prevent any negligence towards its symptoms.