19/07/2025
*Gonorrhea is a s*xually transmitted infection* (STI) caused by the bacterium *Neisseria gonorrhoeae.* It affects both men and women and can lead to severe health complications if left untreated.
*Symptoms:*
- *In men:* symptoms include painful urination, discharge from the p***s, and swollen testicles
- *In women:* symptoms may be mild or absent, but can include increased vaginal discharge, painful urination, and abdominal pain
- *In both men and women:* gonorrhea can also infect the throat, eyes, and re**um, causing symptoms like sore throat, redness, and discharge
*Complications:*
- Untreated gonorrhea can lead to serious health problems, such as:
*Infertility*: in both men and women
*Urethral strictures*: narrowing of the urethra
*Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)*: a serious infection of the reproductive organs
*Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI)*: a condition where the bacteria spread to other parts of the body, causing symptoms like joint pain, skin lesions, and tenosynovitis
*Diagnosis:*
- *Nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT)*: a highly sensitive test that detects the genetic material of the bacteria
- *Culture*: growing the bacteria from a sample to confirm the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae
- *Medical history and physical examination*: a thorough examination and questioning about symptoms, s*xual history, and previous STIs
*Treatment:*
- *Antibiotic therapy*: the cornerstone of gonorrhea treatment, typically involving a single dose of antibiotics like ceftriaxone and azithromycin
- *Dual therapy approach*: recommended to combat antibiotic resistance
- *Treatment of s*xual partners*: essential to prevent reinfection and transmission
*Prevention:*
- *Practicing safe s*x*: using condoms and having regular STI screenings
- *Using protection*: condoms can reduce the risk of transmission
- *Getting tested regularly*: especially for individuals with multiple s*xual partners .