Gonococcal infections are an important health problem all over the world. It occurs in both men and women. It is more common in male patients. It is especially seen in young people between the ages of 15 and 24.
Gonorrhea is the most common; it affects the genitals, urinary tract, rectum, or throat. It can also infect the cervix in women. Babies can be infected at birth if their mothers become infected. Gonorrhea in infants most commonly affects the eyes.
The most effective way to prevent gonorrhea is to use effective protection methods during sexual intercourse. If you have a polygamous sexual life, you need protection.
What are the symptoms of gonorrhea?
Symptoms appear 4-6 days after the agent enters the body. However, gonorrhea sometimes does not show any symptoms. When it gives symptoms, there are usually visible findings in the genitals. These;
in men:
- Pain and burning when urinating
- white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis
- Redness at the tip of the penis
- Pain or swelling in the testicles
10% of men have no symptoms. Most women do not have any symptoms, or symptoms may be mistaken for vaginal or urinary tract infections. Even in the absence of symptoms, there is a risk that the infection will cause serious health problems.
In women:
- vaginal discharge
- Pain and burning sensations when urinating
- Itching in the external genitalia
- Vaginal bleeding outside of the menstrual period, especially bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Feeling pain during sexual intercourse
- Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area
How is gonorrhea diagnosed?
Gonorrhea is diagnosed with urine tests. For further examination, samples can be taken from the urethra in men, from the cervix in women, and from the rectum and throat when necessary.
40% of gonorrhea patients have chlamydia. If you have gonorrhea, your doctor will test for any other sexually transmitted infections.
How is gonorrhea treated?
In adults, since gonorrhea is caused by bacteria, it is treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics can be taken in the form of injections or pills and should be used with the advice of a doctor. However, if the disease has caused permanent damage to the urinary tract and other organs, treatment of these damages is done in other ways.
Partners: If gonorrhea is diagnosed, the person's partner should also be tested, even if they are not showing symptoms. If the result is positive, the partner should also be treated; otherwise, there is a risk of re-infection.
Babies: Babies born with gonorrhea are treated with medication to prevent infection in their eyes. Antibiotics may be given if the infection progresses.