Gonorrhea

May 12, 2023

Dr. Benyamin Mansoori

MD, FRACGP, FACAM
Advance Diploma in General Dermatology
Diploma of Cosmetic Medicine

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. It is particularly prevalent among young people between 15 and 24 years old and can infect the genitalia, rectum, mouth, and joints through unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex or sharing sex toys with an infected person.

Gonorrhea is often asymptomatic, making it easier to spread unintentionally. Symptoms vary depending on a person’s reproductive anatomy. People assigned female at birth may experience mild symptoms or be asymptomatic, including painful or burning sensation while peeing, increased vaginal discharge, and vaginal bleeding between periods. Those assigned male at birth may have symptoms such as a white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis, a burning sensation when urinating, and painful or swollen testicles. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to further health complications, including infertility.

Routine gonorrhea testing is crucial due to its asymptomatic nature. Clinicians typically diagnose gonorrhea using a urine sample, but may also use swabs to obtain samples from the throat, rectum, urethra, or cervix, depending on the case.

Drug-resistant strains of gonorrhea are on the rise, making it more challenging to cure. However, gonorrhea can be cured with appropriate treatment, which may end the infection but not reverse any long-term effects of the illness. It is critical to get tested for gonorrhea if you exhibit any symptoms or suspect that you may have been exposed to it.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). STD Facts – Gonorrhea. CDC.

https://www.cdc.gov/std/gonorrhea/stdfact-gonorrhea.htm