Gonorrhoea has a prevalence of 1.6 to 1.9% of people from age 15-45 in Africa (source WHO).
What is Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is passed from one person to another through unprotected sexual intercourse either anal, oral or vaginal sex.
Gonorrhoea is common with young adults ages 15 to 30 who have multiple sexual partners and do not use a barrier form of protection.
What are the Symptoms of Gonorrhea in Men?
Although some men do not show any symptoms when infected with gonorrhoea, others do, show between 7 to 30 days. These symptoms include;
- Frequent urination.
- Burning or painful sensation when urinating.
- Yellowish or white discharge from the penis.
- Persistent sore throat.
- Pain and swelling of the testicles.
Men who are asymptomatic(do not show symptoms) to gonorrhoea can still transmit the infection to their partners and are more in danger of complications from gonorrhoea.
What are the Symptoms of Gonorrhea in Women?
Many women do not develop symptoms when infected with gonorrhoea, and those that do develop mild symptoms can be mistaken for a vaginal yeast infection or something different.
Some of the common symptoms include;
- Abnormal vaginal discharge that could be yellow, milky or green.
- Frequent urination.
- Burns and pain when urinating.
- Heavier menstruation
- Pains in the lower abdomen
- Sore throat
- Painful sex.
How Is Gonorrhea Diagnosed?
Urine Test: Urine can be collected and tested to confirm if you are infected with gonorrhoea.
Swab Test: Swabs can be taken from the throat, penis, cervix and anus. The swab would be tested to see the presence of gonorrhoea.
What drugs are Used to treat Gonorrhoea?
Gonorrhoea is a bacteria infection hence antibiotic drugs would be prescribed by your doctor if you are diagnosed with Gonorrhoea. The most common drugs are;
- Ceftriaxone
- Azistromicine
For cases where gonorrhoea has become drug-resistant, a combination of different antibiotic drugs would be prescribed to be taken in a daily routine or twice a day.
What are the Complications That Can Arise from Gonorrhea?
In men, gonorrhoea if left untreated can lead to penile lymphangitis, periurethral abscess, acute prostatitis, seminal vesiculitis and infection of the Tyson and Cowper glands.
In women, untreated gonorrhoea can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), Tubo-ovarian abscess, Tubal perforation with peritonitis. It is also one of the major causes of infertility in women.
How can Gonorrhea be prevented?
- Avoid multiple sex partners.
- Proper use of male or female condoms.
- If you feel you are infected avoid having sex with others so as not to spread it.
- Notify your sex partners so they can equally get treatment.
