TL;DR:
- Gonorrhea is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, primarily spread through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex and can be passed from mother to child during childbirth.
- Symptoms often appear 2-14 days after infection: burning urination, purulent discharge (men), vaginal discharge, intermenstrual bleeding, pelvic pain (women). Oral or anal infections cause throat pain, anal itching, and discharge. Many infected women (50-70%) are asymptomatic.
- Untreated, it can lead to infertility, joint infections, or sepsis.
- Standard treatment involves a single dose of antibiotics (e.g., ceftriaxone/azithromycin). Treating all sexual partners is essential to prevent reinfection.
- Symptoms usually resolve within days; follow-up testing 1-2 weeks post-treatment ensures full recovery.
- Diagnostic methods include blood tests or swabs from infected areas.
Tetanus is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. It is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which can infect both men and women, causing serious health complications if the condition is not properly and promptly treated.
What are the causes and manner of gonorrhea infection?
The bacteria Neisseira gonorrhoeae transmitted mainly through sexual contact is responsible for the infection. The most common way of infection is unsafe sexual contact with a person who is a carrier. The bacteria can be transmitted during vaginal, anal and oral intercourse. Pregnant women who are infected with gonorrhea can pass the infection to their baby during childbirth. This can lead to serious complications, such as infection of the newborn's eyes, which causes blindness if not treated quickly. Bacteria can be transmitted through direct contact with infected mucous membranes, including genital, anal and pharyngeal mucous membranes. Therefore, such types of this disease as throat fever are not unheard of. Unsafe sex without a condom greatly increases the risk of infection, as the bacteria can easily transmit between partners. In addition, people who have multiple sexual partners are more likely to get gonorrhea, especially if they don't use condoms. It's also worth remembering that those infected with gonorrhea may not show any symptoms, leading to unknowingly spreading the bacteria to other sexual partners.
What are the symptoms of gonorrhea
Many people wonder what gonorrhea looks like. Various ailments, which are different depending on gender and place of infection, can characterize a disease like gonorrhea. Symptoms in women are most often confused with cystitis – severe pain or burning during urination. There may also be a discharge from the vagina that is yellowish or greenish in color and has an unpleasant odor. In addition, ladies may notice bleeding between periods and after sexual intercourse. A common symptom is also pain in the lower abdomen, which is associated with the spread of the infection to the pelvic organs. Tenorrhea in men, on the other hand, is characterized by a feeling of pain and burning during urination. This is one of the first symptoms of the infection. Men also notice a purulent discharge from the urethra that is yellow, green or white in color. There may also be pain or swelling of the testicles. In both sexes, there may be a fever in the throat – especially after oral contact. Then the characteristic symptom of infection is sore throat. In the case of an anal infection, symptoms such as anal pain, itching or bleeding may appear. If, on the other hand, there was contact between the bacteria and the eyes (for example, during childbirth, when the mother is infected), the child may have conjunctivitis. It is worth remembering, however, that about 50-70% of infected women may have no symptoms. In men, an asymptomatic course of gonorrhea is rare, but also possible. Untreated gonorrhea can lead to serious complications such as infertility, joint infections and sepsis. Therefore, if you suspect infection, it is important to contact your doctor as soon as possible and get appropriate treatment.
How long after a gonorrhea infection do symptoms appear?
Symptoms of gonorrhea appear from 2 to 14 days after infection. However, in some people, especially women, the infection may be asymptomatic. In men, symptoms usually appear within 2 to 5 days after infection, although they can occur even after two weeks. Usually the first symptom is a burning sensation during urination, followed by a purulent discharge from the urethra. In women, symptoms usually appear after 10 days. However, it is worth remembering that in ladies this disease can develop asymptomatically or the symptoms are so mild that they are mistaken for other infections.
What is the treatment of gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea treatment involves the use of antibiotics, which are effective against the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, responsible for the disease. Treatment is usually straightforward and effective, but requires adherence to doctor's orders and awareness that the process of treating sexual partners is crucial to preventing reinfection. The standard antibiotic treatment for gonorrhea involves administering a single dose, usually in the form of an injection or tablet. The drugs administered include ceftriaxone as a single injection or azithromycin orally in combination with an injection. It is important that all sexual partners of an infected person be tested and treated if necessary. This prevents reinfection and further spread of the disease. Once the treatment process is complete, it is usually recommended to be re tested for gonorrhea alab to ensure that the infection has been completely cured. This is especially important for gonorrhea of the throat, where the effectiveness of treatment may be lower. Sometimes a doctor may order additionally as a diagnostic test for gonorrhea from the blood using molecular tests, which detect the genetic material of the bacteria and are very sensitive. Swabs from the urethra, cervix, throat and anus are also performed. These are most often used to detect the presence of bacteria in the sites of infection.
When can the first effects of treatment be noticed?
The effects of gonorrhea treatment can be seen within a few days of starting antibiotic therapy. Most people experience improvement, and symptoms begin to subside during the 2 to 3 days after the antibiotic is administered. However, full treatment can take up to a week or longer, depending on the severity of the infection and the individual's response to treatment. After antibiotic therapy, pain, burning during urination or other symptoms of gonorrhea disappear over the course of several days. However, it is recommended to have a follow-up examination 1 – 2 weeks after the end of therapy to confirm that the infection has been completely cured. At the OT.CO Clinic, we offer comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. If you have questions or concerns about gonorrhea or other STBs, please feel free to contact us!
Conclusion
Gonorrhea is preventable, treatable, but serious if ignored. It spreads through sexual contact, often without symptoms, especially in women. Prompt diagnosis and antibiotics can stop complications like infertility or blindness in newborns. Safe sex and regular testing are essential to stay protected. If treated, most people recover fully in days. Follow up after antibiotics to ensure the infection is gone. Early action saves health and prevents its spread. Don't delay care—your health depends on it.
