Gonorrea (clap)

 How is gonorrhea acquired?

• Gonorrhea can be acquired through vaginal, oral or anal sex, if the sexual partner is infected
• Infection is most frequent in young, homosexual men, individuals who frequently change their sexual partners, and those who do not use prophylatics
• Gonorrhea can be acquired more than once.

What are the symptoms of gonorrhea?

80% of infected women and 10% of infected men are asymptomatic.

Most common symptoms in women

• Change in the color, smell and volume of vaginal secretions
• Bleeding between menstrual periods or heavy menstruation
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Possible pelvic pain or discomfort

Most common symptoms in men

• Burning sensation when urinating
• Urethral discharge
• Possible scrotal pain or discomfort

Are tests necessary?

• Yes, a specimen collected from the patient’s genitals is required to establish a diagnosis.
• If you have reason to believe that you have gonorrhea or if you have had contact with a gonorrheal patient, turn to your STD specialist.
• The physician takes a specimen from the urethra or the cervix and sends it to a special laboratory, where they can test for the bacterium which cause gonorrhea.
• If you have engaged in oral or anal sexual activitiy, a specimen must be taken from the anus or the throat, as appropriate.
• If you have been infected by gonorrhea, you should also be tested for other sexually transmitted diseases, as there is a possibility of multiple, simultaneous infections.

How is gonorrhea treated?

• It is essential that the gonorrheal patient be treated as quickly as possible because, if left untreated, the disease can lead to severe illness and complications. Gonorrhea is treated by a single does of antibiotic, which can be adminstered by injection or taken orally.
• In many cases, Chlamydia infection is also present, requiring treatment by a second antibiotic.
• If treatment is undertaken early, complications are not expected; otherwise, the gonorrhea will spread to other organs and lead to severe illness.

Is sexual contact permitted if I have gonorrhea?

Sexual contact is not permitted until both you and your partner have finished the course of treatment.

What are the possible complications of gonorrhea?

• If treatment is undertaken early, complications are not expected; otherwise, the gonorrhea will spread to other organs and lead to severe illness.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can result in women, experienced as abdominal and pelvic pain. Infertility and ectopic pregnancy can also be complications. Painful testicular inflammation can develop in men.
• Rarely, in cases of untreated gonorrhea, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause diseases of the joints or the skin.

Gonorrhea and pregnancy

Pregnant women with gonorrhea can infect their child during birth. The infection can cause conjunctivitis, which can lead to blindness if untreated.

Do I have to tell my partner?

If you have gonorrhea, all individuals with whom you have had sexual contact within the previous 2 months must be tested. This is important to prevent re-infection, as well as to prevent complications from developing in your partner(s).