Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can affect both men and women and is transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact with an infected individual. Gonorrhea can lead to various health complications if left untreated, making timely diagnosis and treatment essential. At SHIFAA PAN African Hospitals, our Gynecology department offers confidential testing, diagnosis, and treatment for gonorrhea infections, aiming to prevent the spread of the disease and promote sexual health.

Symptoms:

Gonorrhea symptoms can vary depending on the site of infection and may include abnormal genital discharge, pain or burning during urination, pelvic pain, pain during sexual intercourse, and genital itching. In some cases, gonorrhea can also cause rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding in individuals who engage in anal sex, as well as sore throat or swollen lymph nodes in the throat from oral sex with an infected partner.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing gonorrhea involves laboratory testing of genital, rectal, or throat swab samples to detect the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. Testing may be performed using nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), which are highly sensitive and specific for gonorrhea detection. Regular screening for gonorrhea is recommended for sexually active individuals, especially those with multiple partners or high-risk behaviors.

Treatment:

Gonorrhea infection can be effectively treated and cured with appropriate antibiotics, typically a single dose of ceftriaxone given by injection, along with oral azithromycin. It is crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by a healthcare provider, even if symptoms improve, to ensure complete eradication of the infection. Sexual partners should also be tested and treated simultaneously to prevent reinfection and further transmission.

Prevention:

Preventing gonorrhea infection involves practicing safe sex by using condoms correctly and consistently, limiting the number of sexual partners, avoiding high-risk behaviors such as unprotected sex or sharing needles, and undergoing regular STI testing. Vaccination against other common STIs like human papillomavirus (HPV) can also help reduce the risk of gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted infections.

 

What are common symptoms of gonorrhea?

Common symptoms include abnormal genital discharge, pain or burning during urination, pelvic pain, pain during sexual intercourse, genital itching, rectal pain or discharge, sore throat, or swollen lymph nodes in the throat.

 

How is gonorrhea diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves laboratory testing of genital, rectal, or throat swab samples using nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) to detect Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria.

 

What is the treatment for gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea infection can be treated and cured with antibiotics, typically a single dose of ceftriaxone given by injection, along with oral azithromycin.

 

How can gonorrhea be prevented?

Preventive measures include practicing safe sex, limiting the number of sexual partners, avoiding high-risk behaviors, undergoing regular STI testing, and ensuring prompt treatment of infected individuals and their sexual partners.

 

Can gonorrhea lead to complications if left untreated?

Yes, untreated gonorrhea infection can lead to various health complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and increased risk of HIV transmission.

 

Is it necessary to inform sexual partners about a gonorrhea diagnosis?

Yes, informing sexual partners about a gonorrhea diagnosis is essential to prevent further transmission of the infection and ensure that partners receive timely testing and treatment.

 

Can gonorrhea recur after treatment?

While gonorrhea infection can be effectively treated with antibiotics, reinfection is possible if exposed to the bacteria again. It is crucial to practice safe sex and undergo regular STI testing to prevent reinfection and promote sexual health.