WHAT IS GONORRHOEA?Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria (gonococci). These bacteria can settle in the mucous membranes of the vagina, penis, anus, throat, and eyes. Both men and women can contract a gonorrhea infection of the urethra through unprotected sexual contact (sex without a condom). Infections also occur in the vagina in women. Throat infections can develop as a result of oral sex (cunnilingus or blowjobs). An infection in the anus develops after unprotected anal sex. Gonorrhea is highly contagious and can also be transmitted without penetration. Direct contact with the genital mucous membranes can be enough to contract an infection. Gonorrhea is easily treated and cured with a course of antibiotics.WHAT ARE THE COMPLAINTS?In women:
Women often experience few, if any, symptoms of gonorrhea. If symptoms do occur, they usually consist of increased vaginal discharge. This discharge can have an unpleasant odor and can sometimes be a different color (pus-like). Sometimes there is vaginal bleeding between periods. Urination can be painful if the urethra is also infected.
In men:
Men usually experience clear symptoms of gonorrhea. The first symptoms usually appear a few days (to a few weeks) after contracting the infection. These symptoms consist of (a lot of) pus-like discharge from the urethra, which is often yellowish or greenish in color, hence the common name "the clap." An infected urethra causes a burning or irritation sensation when urinating. Very rarely, there are no symptoms at all, but even then, gonorrhea is contagious.
In men and women:
In the anus: If the gonorrhea infection is in the anus, there are usually no clear symptoms. Sometimes there is some irritation in the anus and a slimy or pus-like discharge with the stool.
In the throat: Usually, a throat infection is completely unnoticeable. In rare cases, the infection leads to a throat infection, with fever and swollen glands in the neck.
In the bloodstream: In both men and women, the bacteria occasionally enter the bloodstream. Through the bloodstream, they can cause inflammation elsewhere in the body, such as in the joints.POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF GONORRHOEAIn women: Without treatment, gonorrhea can spread through the uterus to the fallopian tubes. This causes pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can spread to the abdominal cavity. PID can be accompanied by fever and (severe) lower abdominal pain. With prompt and effective treatment (antibiotics and bed rest), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can resolve completely. Such an infection can cause scarring and adhesions in the fallopian tubes. This can lead to blockage of the tubes, which can lead to infertility or an ectopic pregnancy. A pregnant woman can transmit gonorrhea to her baby during delivery. The baby's eyes can come into contact with the bacteria in the birth canal. Treatment during pregnancy prevents infection of the baby.
In men: The infection can also spread in men, although this is less common than in women. The bacteria can travel through the vas deferens to the prostate and epididymis. This sometimes leads to prostatic or epididymitis. Epididymitis causes (severe) pain in the scrotum, sometimes radiating to the groin. A swelling may be felt in the scrotum. The spermatic cord, which runs upwards, can also be painful and swollen. In rare cases, inflammation of the epididymis causes inflammation of the testicle, making it swollen and painful. Prostate inflammation is accompanied by difficult, painful urination, and fever.TREATMENTGonorrhea is easily treated with antibiotics. Treatment for gonorrhea usually consists of a single course of antibiotics (a single injection). It is important that the (regular) sexual partner is also treated.PARTNER WARNINGIt is important that all sexual partners in the six weeks prior to the onset of symptoms are informed and tested. If there are no symptoms, then all partners in the past six months should be tested.MORE INFORMATIONMore information about STIs can be found on the Soa Aids Nederland website. Soa Aids Nederland is the center of expertise for HIV infection and other STIs. www.soaaids.nl provides comprehensive information about HIV infection and other STIs. |
