What is neiserria gonorrhea?
Neisseria gonorrhea, commonly known as the gonococcus bacterium, is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can affect both males and females. It is caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis, which typically infects the mucous membranes of the urethra in men, the cervix in women, and sometimes the rectum and throat in both sexes. Gonorrhea can also be spread from an infected mother to her newborn baby during childbirth, a condition known as ophthalmia neonatorum.
Symptoms:
In males, gonorrhea commonly presents as:
- A burning sensation during urination
- Increased urinary frequency
- Painful or swollen testicles (in severe cases)
- Discharge from the penis
In females, gonorrhea may not always cause noticeable symptoms. However, when present, they may include:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Painful or frequent urination
- Lower abdominal pain
- Bleeding between menstrual periods
Complications:
Left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to various complications in both men and women:
In Males:
- Epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis, a tube that stores and transports sperm)
- Infection of the prostate gland (prostatitis)
- Infertility
In Females:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): a serious infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries that can cause chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy.
- Tubo-ovarian abscess: A collection of pus in the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
- Infertility
- Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy
Diagnosis:
Gonorrhea is diagnosed by testing samples of urine, swabs from the infected areas, or specimens collected from the vagina, urethra, rectum, or throat. Laboratory tests, such as nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) and Gram staining, are used to identify the presence of the Neisseria gonorrhea bacteria.
Treatment:
Gonorrhea is typically treated with antibiotics, such as Ceftriaxone or Azithromycin. It's crucial for both partners to undergo treatment to prevent re-infection. Follow-up tests may be recommended to ensure the infection has been effectively treated.
Prevention:
Practicing safe sex and using barrier methods like condoms during sexual intercourse are effective ways to prevent contracting or transmitting gonorrhea. Regular STI screenings are also important for early detection and prompt treatment.