Gonorrhea: Causes and Symptoms of a Sexually Transmitted Disease

Prostitution is rightly called the oldest profession. Consequently, venereal diseases have a centuries-old history. Gonorrhea is mentioned in the Old Testament. But, unlike other diseases that cause epidemics, not much has been written about this disease. The term "gonorrhea" was first used by the Roman philosopher and surgeon Galen. The definition did not quite correctly indicate the symptoms (literal translation - seminal emission), but it took root and is used in modern medicine.

A more familiar name for gonorrhea is gonorrhea. This is the official designation for gonococcal infection in Germany (tripper).

It was a representative of this country, the scientist Neisser, who discovered the main causative agent of the infection - Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Until 1831, manifestations of gonorrhea were considered a symptom of syphilis and were treated incorrectly.

Transmission routes

Like other sexually transmitted diseases, gonorrhea is most often spread from person to person during sexual intercourse. The main feature of gonorrhea is that transmission can occur even without inserting the penis into the vagina. For this, simple contact of the reproductive organs is enough. In terms of risk, anal and vaginal sex are in first place, and oral sex is in second place.

The likelihood of infection for men and women differs due to their different anatomical structure. It has been proven that single contact causes the disease in 85% of the fair half, and only in 30-40% of their sexual partners. For men, the likelihood of getting gonorrhea increases if you have sex during your partner's menstruation. In this case, the infection almost always penetrates the urethra.

Another proven way of transmitting gonococcus is from mother to child. The infection gets to the baby when it passes through the birth canal. This is fraught with the development of conjunctivitis and subsequent blindness.

There is also a popular myth among the people about frequent infection through household items or when visiting public baths, toilets. This does happen, but recorded cases of such transmission make up less than 1% of the total. This is due to the inability of the pathogen to survive for a long time in the open air.

Symptoms of gonorrhea

Clap rarely manifests itself at an early stage. The incubation period is 1-7 days for men, 5-10 for women. But even after this period of time, the disease can proceed almost asymptomatically. And the patient, unaware of the presence of the infection, transmits it to sexual partners.

The first warning signs of a sexually transmitted disease in the stronger half are: inflammation in the urethra, accompanied by purulent discharge, swelling of the scrotum, discomfort in the perineum during intercourse. The weaker sex should pay attention to unpleasant sensations in the vagina (irritation, itching), pain in the lower abdomen, increased urge to urinate and painful urination.

In rare cases, abscesses on the skin, fever, swelling of the joints, lymph nodes, nausea, vomiting, itching in the anus, bleeding and sore throat appear. Due to the significant variety of manifestations, it is unlikely that you will be able to independently determine the type of disease. Therefore, at the first suspicion of an STD, you must contact a medical institution. Today, it is possible to take tests anonymously.

Diagnostic methods

To detect the infection, the venereologist examines both sexual partners. It is mandatory to take samples of discharge from the genitals for laboratory analysis. The following methods are most often used:

• PCR diagnostics - determining the type of pathogen by its DNA;
• bacterioscopy - microscopy of bacteria and identification of infection in two smears by staining them with methylene blue;
• cultural method - growing pathogenic microorganisms on a nutrient medium.

The diagnosis of "gonorrhea" is made only with an accurate determination of the pathogen - Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Treatment of gonorrhea

It is very difficult to defeat such an infection on your own. The bacteria that cause gonorrhea are often resistant to many drugs. Therefore, improper therapy can cause severe complications or make the disease chronic.

It is important to remember that sexually transmitted diseases often provoke respiratory pathologies, disorders of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, male and female infertility, severe joint damage, cancer, and blood poisoning.

Treatment of gonorrhea is carried out with antibiotics in combination with physiotherapy and immunotherapy. The choice of pharmacological agents should be based on the results of tests. Usually, the course of taking drugs is two weeks (in advanced infections - several months). During this time, any sexual contact, visits to public baths, swimming pools, gyms are prohibited. Strict observance of personal hygiene is required. After completing the treatment, you should take control tests.

To avoid infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae, it is necessary to use personal protective equipment during any sexual intercourse. A condom gives an almost 100% guarantee of safe sex. It would also be useful to regularly visit a venereologist for timely diagnosis of STIs. For medical workers, teachers, and cooks, such an examination is mandatory.