Gonorrhoea, also spelled as gonorrhea, is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It primarily affects the mucous membranes of the reproductive organs, including the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes in women, and the urethra in both men and women. However, it can also infect the throat, rectum, and eyes through sexual contact.
The symptoms of gonorrhoea vary between genders and may not always be apparent. In males, symptoms often include a burning sensation during urination, white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis, and swelling or tenderness of the testicles. Females may experience increased vaginal discharge, pain during urination, and pain in the lower abdomen. However, many individuals may be asymptomatic, leading to a higher risk of unknowingly spreading the infection.
Gonorrhoea can have serious health consequences if left untreated. It may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in females, causing infertility, ectopic pregnancy, or chronic pelvic pain. Additionally, it increases the risk of contracting HIV and can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her unborn child during childbirth, potentially leading to severe eye infections or blindness in the newborn.
Prevention of gonorrhoea involves practicing safe sex with the consistent use of condoms and regular screening for sexually transmitted infections. If detected, the infection can generally be treated effectively with antibiotics. However, the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains has made treatment more challenging, highlighting the importance of early detection and immediate medical intervention.
