What is Gonorrhea? What are its symptoms?

Gonorrhea, commonly known as venereal disease, is an infection caused by a bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococcus). The most common sexually transmitted disease, gonorrhea most often causes urethritis (inflammation of the urethra) in men and cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix) in women.

Symptoms of Gonorrhea

The most common symptom of gonorrhea in women is vaginal discharge. This discharge, which is yellowish-green and foul-smelling, is rarely accompanied by itching. Burning during urination may also occur. After the discharge, the most common symptom is pelvic pain. Pain on both sides may be accompanied by fever, especially in the evenings.
If the microorganisms reach the bloodstream, they can cause infection in the joints. This results in pain and swelling in the joints.
Another danger of gonorrhea is pelvic inflammatory disease. If the infection spreads to the fallopian tubes and ovaries, many complications can occur, including infertility.

How is gonorrhea transmitted?

Gonorrhea is transmitted through direct contact with the penis, vagina, mouth, or anal area. It can be transmitted from mother to baby during childbirth, or a person can contract gonorrhea through sexual intercourse with a gonorrhea carrier.

How is gonorrhea diagnosed?

Gonorrhea is diagnosed through a vaginal examination followed by analysis of cervical and vaginal discharge. Several laboratory tests are available for diagnosis. Swabs are taken from infected areas such as the cervix, urethra, rectum, and throat and sent to a laboratory.

How is gonorrhea treated?

Gonorrhea is generally responsive to antibiotic treatment, and oral antibiotics usually resolve quickly. Cultures are repeated one week after antibiotic use to check if the infection has cleared. If patients treated for gonorrhea come into contact with infected individuals again, the disease can recur. If gonorrhea symptoms persist despite treatment, the patient should consult their doctor again. Furthermore, until treatment is complete and both the patient and their partner have undergone necessary testing and treatment, sexual intercourse should be protected with condoms.