GONORRHOEA

Gonorrhoea also called the clap, is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that can affects both males and females. In males, Gonorrhea mostly affects the urethra, rectum and the throat. In females, it infects the cervix. If untreated, the infection may lead to infertility. Regular screening can therefore help in the early detection of the disease even when there are no visible signs. Generally, the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae tends to infect warm moist areas of the body including the: urethra, eyes, throat, vagina, anus and female reproductive tract (the fallopian tubes, cervix and uterus).

Symptoms of gonorrhoea in males

In most cases, men may not develop noticeable symptoms on the first weeks during the onset of the infections. The first noticeable symptom in men is often a burning or painful sensation when passing urine. Other symptoms include the following: greater urgency of urination, a pus-like discharge from the penis, swelling or redness at the opening of the penis, swelling or pain in the testicles and a persistent sore throat. If the infection remains untreated, it continues to damage the body; specifically, the urethra and testicles. The pain may also spread to the rectum.

Symptoms of gonorrhoea in females

When women develop symptoms they tend to be mild or similar to other similar sexually transmitted infections, making them more difficult to identify. The infection in females can appear much like common vaginal yeast or bacterial infection. The symptoms include: discharge from the vagina, pain or burning sensation during urination, frequent urination, heavier periods, sore throat, pain during sexual intercourse, sharp pain in the lower abdomen and fever.

Test for gonorrhoea

Health professionals take samples of fluid from the symptomatic area with a swab (penis, vagina, rectum and throat) and place the samples on a glass slide. If the Microbiologist in charge observes blood stains, he/she may withdraw blood sample from that particular area. A stain is added onto the sample on the glass slide and observed under the microscope.

Treatment for gonorrhoea

Adults diagnosed with gonorrhoea are normally treated with antibiotics. Due to the emerging strains of drug-resistance Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that uncomplicated gonorrhoea can only be treated with antibiotics ceftriaxone-given as an injection; in combination with either azithromycin (Zithromax, Zmax) or doxycycline (Monodox, Vibramycin).