Most often called in the slang language as the ‘drip’ or the ‘clap’, sexual intercourse with an infected person is the mode of transmittal for gonorrhea. Gonorrhea-infected body fluids may also be transmitted by a mother to a child during childbirth. Gonorrhea can infect both men and women. People with multiple sex partners are the ones that usually contract the infection as it is highly contagious.

How is gonorrhea caused?

The bacteria known as Neisseria gonorrhoeae can multiply and grow quickly in the mucous membranes of the body which is the chief cause of gonorrhea. The moist and warm parts of the reproductive organs which include the fallopian tubes, the cervix, and the womb in women are the places that the bacteria like to stay and grow. In both men and women, the urethra is also the common organ that the bacteria inhabit. The anus, mouth, and throat can also be areas that can make the bacteria thrive.

Is gonorrhea a common infection?

Gonorrhea is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases that usually infect about 700,000 Americans a year with teenagers topping the list of reported infected people.

What are the signs and symptoms of gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea can be tricky as a lot of people do not show signs and symptoms which are the main reasons for its widespread contagion. If ever symptoms appear, it usually happens from two to ten days after infection though there are cases where it took 30 days which could include:

In women

• If oral sex was involved, the glands in the throat will be swollen.
• White, green or yellow discharges from the vagina.
• Due to oral sex, there will a burning sensation in the throat.
• Pain in the pelvic or lower abdominal areas.
• Vulvitis which is swelling of the vulva
• A burning pain during urination
• Spotting after sexual intercourse
• Itchy and red eyes
• Bleeding between menstruation

The symptoms in some women are very mild that it is hardly noticeable.

The gonorrhea discharges that occur in most women are often mistakenly thought as yeast infections which they often try to self-medicate by using over-the-counter drugs for yeast infections. It is recommended to consult a doctor when discharges occur as it is a sign for a lot of other health problems.

In men

• Due to oral sex, glands in the throat will be swollen
• White, yellow or green discharges from the penis
• Swollen or painful testicles
• Burning sensation during urination
• Due to oral sex there will be a burning sensation in the throat

These symptoms usually occur in men after a period between two to 14 days after exposure.

Is gonorrhea treatable and if it is what would be the treatment?

Gonorrhea is treatable and can be cured by either an injectable or oral antibiotic. Your sexual partner/s should also be treated as well so reinfection and spread of the infection will be stopped.

It is also advised that the number of antibiotics prescribed should be followed even when you are beginning to feel better. It is also recommended never to self-medicate as it might even cause more health complications.