This is key information on gonorrhea, highlighting the importance of screening, prevention and appropriate treatment. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional in case of doubt or symptoms for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Protect yourself and others by practicing safe sex and learning about STIs and their impact on health.
What is gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It mainly affects the mucous membranes of the urethra, cervix, rectum, throat and eyes. Transmitted during unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person, it can cause a variety of symptoms, although some carriers remain asymptomatic.
How is gonorrhea transmitted?
Gonorrhea is transmitted mainly through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected partner. It can also be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth. Correct and consistent condom use considerably reduces the risk of transmission.
What are the symptoms of gonorrhea?
Symptoms vary between men and women and can include pain on urination, yellow or green discharge from the genitals, pelvic or abdominal pain and, in men, pain or swelling of the testicles. However, it's crucial to note that many infected individuals show no symptoms at all, underscoring the importance of regular screening.
How is gonorrhea diagnosed?
Gonorrhea is diagnosed by taking a swab of the infected area or a urine test. These samples are then analyzed in a laboratory to detect the presence of the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium.
What treatments are available for gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is treated withantibiotics. It is essential to follow the treatment prescribed by a health professional, and to inform your sexual partners so that they too can be tested and treated if necessary. As antibiotic resistance is on the increase, only a doctor can determine the most effective treatment.
Can gonorrhea lead to complications?
If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause serious complications such as infertility, chronic pain and ectopic pregnancy, and can increase the risk of HIV transmission. In newborns, it can lead to severe eye infections.
Can gonorrhea be prevented?
Gonorrhea can be prevented by using condoms during all sexual relations, communicating openly with your partners about STIs and regular screening, especially if you have several sexual partners or new partners.
How can I tell if my partner has gonorrhea?
It's not always easy to know if your partner is infected with gonorrhea, especially if he or she has no symptoms. Open communication about sexual health history and regular STI screening are essential in a relationship to identify and treat any potentially transmissible infection. Encourage your partner to get tested if they haven't tested recently or are showing signs of infection.
Can gonorrhea reappear after treatment?
Yes, it is possible to become re-infected with gonorrhea if you have unprotected sex with an infected person, even after you have been treated and cured. There is no immunity to gonorrhea after infection, which is why safe sex and regular screening are so important.
Does gonorrhea affect fertility?
Untreated gonorrhea can lead to severe complications, including infertility in both men and women. In women, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), damaging the fallopian tubes and leading to difficulty conceiving or an ectopic pregnancy. In men, it can cause epididymitis, an inflammation of the sperm storage tube, which can also affect fertility.
Can I protect myself effectively against gonorrhea?
The most effective method of protection against gonorrhea is the correct and systematic use of a condom during all sexual relations, whether vaginal, anal or oral. Mutually monogamous relationships with a tested, uninfected partner also reduce the risk of transmission. Finally, regular screening enables any infection to be detected and treated before it causes complications.
What are the latest recommended treatments for gonorrhea?
Due to increasing antibiotic resistance, gonorrhea treatment recommendations may change. Generally, a combination ofantibiotics, including ceftriaxone by injection and azithromycin by mouth, is prescribed to fight the infection. However, it's crucial to follow the advice of a healthcare professional who will prescribe the most up-to-date and effective treatment according to the latest recommendations and your specific situation.
