Gonorrhea Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is also known as the "clap" or "drip". It is common in both men and women. Gonorrhea is caused by having sexual contact with an infected person. Gonorrhea is a contagious disease which often causes infection in the sexual organs and throat, but can also affect the joints and heart.  It is more common in youngsters with 15 to 24 years of age.

Gonorrhea is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This bacteria is mainly spread though sexual contact. Having sex with an infected person is the main cause of gonorrhea. It can also be spread by having contact with body fluids, for example: a newborn baby will be born with gonorrhea if his/her mother is infected from it.  The Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria breed near genitals as it is warm and moist there. The bacteria can be found on the penis, vagina, anus, mouth, eye i.e. in every place of sexual contact. This disease is more common in sexually active teenagers.

Gonorrhea seldom has any symptoms. Symptoms may show in some people and in other it may not.  Many are unaware of being infected. Therefore it is necessary to have regular checkups. Symptoms of gonorrhea take 2-10 days to appear.

Symptoms in men:

1. Pain and burning sensation while passing urine.

2. Pain and swelling in testicles

3. Pus like fluid discharging from penis

4. Swollen throat

5. Swollen urethra

6. Irritation in anus

Symptoms in women

1. Pain and burning sensation while passing urine.

2. Vaginal bleeding during menstrual periods

3. Pus like vaginal discharge

4. Pain during intercourse

5. Fever (no common)

6. Conjunctivitis and vulvitis

Treatment

Gonorrhea can cause severe complications like infections in the joints, heart valve and brain if left untreated. It can also cause infertility in women.

Gonorrhea can be easily treated with the help of antibiotics. But it is inadvisable'to have sex during the medication period. And it also necessary to inform your infection to people with whom you have shared a sexual relationship.