Introduction
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) may be described as the type of diseases that are typically transmitted when an infected person engages in sexual intercourse with an uninfected person. A good and very common example is gonorrhea. It is caused by a bacterium, Neisseria gonorrheae, whose growth is favorable in the warm and humid parts of the human reproductive system.
In. women, the bacterium can grow in the uterus, cervix as well as the fallopian tube because these areas have favorable conditions for its growth and multiplication. In both men and women, it can grow in the urethra as well as the mouth and the anus.
Gonorrhea has been a very common STD in the U.S. with an estimate of over seven hundred thousand people being infected every year with only half of the infections being reported to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 1980s and early 1990s, the rate of nationwide gonorrhea infections had reduced due to the introduction of a program to control gonorrhea in the mid 1970s. However, after many years of control, the rate elevated once more with 120 infections in every 100 000 population.
Transmission
Gonorrhea, just like other STDs, is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person. The transmission may occur through anal entry besides the normal vaginal entry. Transmission may as well occur from mother to child. Engaging in a sexual relationship does not, however, mean that someone will get infected but rather may get infections that are transmitted sexually such as scabies.
People who have had gonorrhea and received treatment are at a higher risk of being reinfected once they have sexual intercourse. Most infections in the U.S. occur among teenagers who engage in sexual activities. Anyone that is sexually active regardless of age can as well get infected.
Signs of gonorrhea
Not all men will show indications of gonorrhea infection. In some other cases, the signs may only take five days to show after infection has occurred. Generally, the signs of gonorrhea infection take as long as thirty days to show. The common symptoms in men include discharges from the penis alongside a very strong feeling of heat when one is urinating as well as experiencing a lot of pain in the testicles. Others will experience frequent urination (“Sexually Transmitted Diseases” 1).
Most women who are infected with gonorrhea do not show any sign at all, but in others, the symptoms are often not severe. Other infected women have non-specific symptoms that are more likely to be thought of as vaginal infections. Just like men, infect women may initially experience painful urination. Other symptoms include increased passage of fluids through the vagina, a painful abdomen and excessive discharge of blood in between menstrual periods.
Despite having less severe symptoms, women infected with gonorrhea are at higher risks of suffering from other diseases that are associated with gonorrhea. Both men and women may experience rectal symptoms such as anal itching, bleeding and discharge. When the throat is infected, the patient is likely to develop a sore throat. Fever may also be experienced in both infected men and women (“Gonorrhea Overview” 1).
Diagnosis
There are different laboratory tests for diagnosing gonorrhea besides a sexual and medical history. Samples from cervix, throat, urethra or the rectum can be obtained and analyzed in a medical laboratory. The easiest and fast laboratory test is the Gram stain test which helps in identification of the bacterium through observation under a microscope. Other tests include culture of samples and rapid test. The genital area may also be examined by the doctor. An internal pelvic examination may also be conducted in women (“Gonorrhea Overview” 1).
Treatment
Both men and women who are infected with gonorrhea can be treated using antibiotics which may be administered in pill form or may be given as an injection. Some antibiotics only require a single dose to be given with only a few taking longer courses (“Gonorrhea” 1). The most common antibiotics used for treatment of gonorrhea are Ofloxacin and Cefixine. Hospitalization may be where complications have occurred especially in women who might develop pelvic inflammatory disease.
It is equally important to inform the doctor or medical practitioner of a pregnancy because there are some antibiotics that should not be used by expectant mothers as well as young people below the age of eighteen years (“Sexually Transmitted Diseases” 1). Early diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhea is important in preventing other complications such as loss of fertility. The prescribed antibiotics should be taken appropriately to prevent resistance of the Neisseria gonorrheae bacterium to antibiotics.
Complications associated with gonorrhea
When gonorrhea is not treated early enough, the patient may suffer serious and complicated health problems. Women are more likely to experience abdominal pain and fever if the infection is not treated early enough. Its long time effect is damage of the fallopian tube and this can have adverse effects to the point of casing infertility. It also increases the chances of the patient to have an ectopic pregnancy where a fertilized egg grows outside the womb threatening the life of the mother and her unborn child (“Gonorrhea” 1).
Infected men may experience pain in the ducts of testicles if the infection is not treated. If untreated, this condition may cause infertility. In some cases, gonorrhea spreads to joints and blood threatening the life of the infected person. This can happen to both men and women. People infected with gonorrhea have higher chances of contracting HIV virus as well as easily transmitting the HIV virus to other people who do not have gonorrhea (“Gonorrhea” 1).
Prevention
The most effective way of preventing gonorrhea infection is abstinence from sexual relationships or engaging in a monogamous sexual relationship. It is advisable for both partners to get tested to ensure that no one is infected before having an intercourse. Condoms when used appropriately can reduce the possibility of an infection.
Genital symptoms, commonly discharges and painful urination, should be reported to a doctor and sexual intercourse stopped immediately. Patients that have been treated for gonorrhea should inform their sex partners so that they can assistance from a health care practitioner. People that are infected with gonorrhea should not engage in any sexual relationship unless they get cured completely (“Gonorrhea” 1). As infected mothers give birth, the infection may pass to the baby as well.
Conclusion
Gonorrhea is a serious disease that can cause health complications which may lead to death of infected persons. It is important for sexually active individuals to take preventive measures to avoid new infections. Having only a single sex partner should be exercised to prevent infections. When initial signs appear, individuals should see a doctor to prevent development of health
Works Cited
Diseases and Conditions. “Gonorrhea”. 2010. Web.
Gonorrhea. “Gonorrhea Overview”. 2010. Web.
McHenry, Kennedy. “Sexually Transmitted Diseases.” 2010. Web.
Samuelson, Javies. “Gonorrhea.” 2010. Web.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases. “Gonorrhea – CDC Fact Sheet”. 2010. Web.