Gonorrhoea

DEFINITION

Gonorrhoea is a highly infectious disease acquired by sexual intercourse or other intimate sexual activities and is commonly known as 'the clap'. It is caused by a bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

DESCRIPTION

Despite the increased attention on STDs such as HIV and genital herpes, Gonorrhoea is still a significant problem in the world. It can occur in the genitals, anus and throat of both men and women, depending on the type of sexual activity. Gonorrhoea usually has an incubation period of 2-7 days after contact and the symptoms vary significantly between men and women.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

In women, there may be minimal or no symptoms with a mild attack. When symptoms occur, they include a foul smelling discharge from the vagina; pain on passing urine; pain in the lower abdomen; passing urine frequently; tender glands in the groin; and fever. Whether symptoms are present or not, the infection can move further into the body, and involve the womb and fallopian tubes. This can lead to chronic pelvic inflammatory disease or inflamed ovaries.

In men, the symptoms are usually obvious, with a yellow milky discharge from the penis, pain on passing urine and, in advanced cases, inflamed glands in the groin. If left untreated, the prostate can become infected, which can cause scarring of the urine tube, permanent difficulty in passing urine and reduced fertility.

If infection has occurred via the anus, an anal discharge, mild diarrhoea, rectal discomfort and pain on passing faeces are the common symptoms. Oral sex can lead to the development of a gonococcal throat infection.
Some other less common complications of Gonorrhoea include Gonococcal conjunctivitis; septicaemia; scarring of the uterus and fallopian tubes in women; and Gonococcal arthritis.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Gonorrhoea should always be diagnosed and treated by a Doctor. Diagnosis is confirmed by your Doctor taking a swab of the infected area to verify the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Treatment is usually oral or intravenous antibiotics although some varieties of Gonorrhoea have become resistant to standard antibiotic regimens. All sexual contacts should be notified as they may also be carrying the disease. After treatment, a follow-up swab is important to ensure that the infection has been adequately treated.
Some degree of protection from catching Gonorrhoea can be obtained by using condoms, but this is not a total protection and has a failure rate of 5-10%.

PHARMACIST'S ADVICE

1) If you have any queries regarding your treatment for Gonorrhoea, ask your Pharmacist.
2) It is recommended that patients abstain from sexual contact until the treatment is complete.

DISCLAIMER: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended to replace medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, nurse or naturopath before following any medical regimen to see whether it is safe and effective for you.