It grows and multiplies easily in warm and moist areas of the reproductive tract that includes the uterus (womb), cervix (opening to the uterus) and the fallopian tubes (tubes that carry the eggs) in women and in the urethra (urine canal) in the men and women. This bacterium can also thrive in the throat, mouth, anus and eyes.
How does gonorrhea spread?
- Gonorrhea is spread through contact with the vagina, penis, anus or mouth. Ejaculation does not have to take place in order to contract or transmit the disease. Gonorrhea also spreads from mother to baby during delivery.
- Individuals previously treated for gonorrhea can get infected again, if they resume sexual contact with a person infected with this disease.
- Any sexually active individual can contract this disease.
Symptoms
- Discharge from vagina, penis or rectum and itching or burning during urination.
- Sore throat
- Sometimes asymptomatic (no symptoms)
Effects of Gonorrhea
- Untreated cases of gonorrhea can cause permanent and serious health problems in both men and women.
- In women, gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can damage the fallopian tubes leading to infertility. Most of the cases of PID are without any symptoms.
- In men, gonorrhea can cause epididymitis, a painful condition of the testes that can lead to infertility if left untreated.
- Gonorrhea can spread to the joints and blood which is a life threatening situation. Also people with gonorrhea can easily contract the HIV virus that causes AIDS.
How to treat Gonorrhoea?
There are several antibiotics that can treat gonorrhoea successfully in adults and adolescence. But, many drug-resistant strains of gonorrhoea have increased that has made treatment of gonorrhoea difficult. Individuals suffering from gonorrhoea also have chlamydia, another STD, antibiotics are administered for both the infections. It is necessary to take all the prescribed medicines in order to cure gonorrhoea.
What to do if you think you have Gonorrhea?
- If you think you have the symptoms mentioned, it's time to get yourself checked! This is not the time to be embarrassed as gonorrhoea will not disappear by just hoping.
- There are many health departments in Australia with special clinics that treat STDs including gonorrhoea. In case you don't know where to go, call your local family planning clinic for more information. No matter where you receive treatment, your case will be kept absolutely private.
- It's normal to feel embarrassed about having gonorrhoea and it may be difficult to go to the doctor or the clinic. But it is necessary to get yourself treated even though it is the hardest thing to do. There is no other way to get cured.
- Don't forget to tell your sexual partner. If they are not treated, they can also spread gonorrhoea! And they might infect you all over again.