A Guide to Preventing Gonorrhea

Last Updated on Thu, 23 February 2023 | Disease Prevention

Gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease (STI), is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This is the most widespread STI in America, with approximately 800,000. New cases every year. Unprotected sexual contact can spread gonorrhea, such as oral, vaginal and anal. It is also possible to spread it from mom to baby after childbirth.

What is Gonorrhea and How Does It Work?

Gonorrhea refers to a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the body's mucous membranes, including those in the throat, rectum and urethra. Gonorrhea symptoms include pain or burning while you urinate, painful or swelling testicles, and yellowish-greenish penile discharge. Women may experience vaginal discharge and pelvic pain. If untreated, gonorrhea could lead to severe health issues such as infertility and pelvic inflammation disease.

Gonorrhea: Common Causes

Unprotected sexual contact is the main cause of gonorrhea. Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person can be oral, vaginal and even anal. It may also spread to babies from mom during childbirth. Multiple partners can increase the risk of getting infected.

Gonorrhea Treatment

Antibiotics are often used to treat gonorrhea. Ceftriaxone is the most common antibiotic and is given as an injection. Other oral antibiotics, such as azithromycin and doxycycline can also be used. The treatment is generally successful, but in rare cases the infection can return. It is becoming more challenging to treat gonorrhea due to the rise in drug-resistant strains.

Progress on Gonorrhea

Researchers have made significant progress over the past few years in understanding gonorrhea. This includes developing new diagnostic tools and treatment options. A new test, the NAAT, has been created to identify gonorrhea of the throat or rectum. A new drug, Zoliflodacin, has also been approved to be used as an option to ceftriaxone for gonorrhea treatment. These advancements will improve diagnosis and treatment for gonorrhea.

Prevention of Gonorrhea

It is possible to prevent gonorrhea. Safe sex is the best way to stop the spread of gonorrhea. Safe sex means using condoms properly every time you have sex. It also includes avoiding sexual contact with anyone who might have an STI. You can also reduce your risk of getting gonorrhea by limiting your sexual partners and having regular STI testing.

When you are having sex, make sure to use condoms properly
Do not have any sexual contact with anyone who might be suffering from an STI.
Limit your number of partners.
Regularly get tested for STIs.

Gonorrhea can be a serious STI. However, it can also be prevented. People can lower their chances of getting gonorrhea or other STIs by following these steps.

Conclusion

If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause serious complications. It is possible to prevent it. It is possible to prevent gonorrhea by using condoms properly every time and avoiding sexual contact with anyone who might have an STI. People can avoid this potentially fatal infection by taking the right precautions and getting treatment.