Gonorrhea

What is gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted disease which is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is usually spread by having unprotected sex with someone who has the infection.

What are its main signs and symptoms?

Individuals with gonorrhoea generally have no signs and symptoms and, if present, are often mild. A painful, burning sensation when urinating is a common symptom of gonorrhoea.

Symptoms in males include:

• Discharge from the penis which could either be white, yellow or green in colour
• Swollen or painful testicles (rarely seen)

Common symptoms in females include:

• Unusual bleeding from vagina between the periods
• Increased discharge from vagina

Common symptoms of infections in both men and women include:

• Soreness
• Bleeding or discharge
• Anal itching
• Painful bowel movements

What are the main causes?

This bacteria is found in the semen (cum), pre-cum and vaginal fluids of infected people, and hence it is mainly transmitted by having unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex. Infection in the eyes can be caused by touching the eyes with hands contaminated with infected fluids. It can also be transmitted to the newborn of an infected mother during childbirth.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

Initially, a detailed history will be taken by the physician, followed by a thorough physical examination. Depending on these, the physician will advise the following tests:

• Swabbing the infected area and testing the sample
• Gonorrhoea test- culture, microscopic examination of the samples, and nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT)
• Collecting a urine sample for testing

Treatment modalities include:

• Dual therapy antibiotics, which is administered as a single dose orally and a single injection intramuscularly.
• Sexual partners in contact with an infected person (within 60 days of diagnosis) are advised mandatory testing and treatment.
• Follow-up tests for individuals treated for gonorrhoea.
• Individuals who are treated for gonorrhoea should also receive treatment for chlamydia.
• Sex should be avoided till the completion of treatment (after a single dose treatment, wait for 7 days before having sex).

1. Center for Disease Control and Prevention [internet], Atlanta (GA): US Department of Health and Human Services; Gonorrhea
2. Office on Women's Health [Internet] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Gonorrhea.
3. National Health Service [Internet] NHS inform; Scottish Government; Gonorrhoea
4. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: US National Library of Medicine; Gonorrhea
5. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: US National Library of Medicine; Gonorrhea Test

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