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Gonorrhea, also known as blenorrhagia or blenorrhea, is a prevalent sexually transmitted disease worldwide. It is an infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which thrives in warm, moist environments. This microorganism often finds ideal habitats in the urethra in men, the urogenital tracts in women, and the anal mucosa. It can also inhabit the mouth, throat, rectum, and eyes, though these are less common locations.
Gonorrhea is an infectious disease primarily affecting the genitourinary system and is transmitted through sexual contact. Commonly known as "the clap," this bacterial infection presents with notable differences in symptoms and progression between genders:
Symptoms usually develop between 2 to 7 days after exposure. Men may experience a progression of discharge from the penis, starting as a clear liquid and becoming increasingly thick and yellow or green, indicative of a muco-purulent consistency.
There is often a painful or burning sensation during urination, known as dysuria. Men may also report discomfort due to redness and swelling at the opening of the urethra (urethral meatus).
Women are often asymptomatic in the early stages, which complicates diagnosis and increases the risk of complications.
Those who do experience symptoms may note abnormal vaginal discharge or experience pain during urination, a condition known as stranguria.
Gonorrhea's ability to mimic other infections and its potential asymptomatic nature in women highlight the importance of regular screening and prompt treatment to prevent long-term health issues
Gonorrhea stands as one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) today. Transmission of this bacterium typically occurs during unprotected sexual contact, encompassing a variety of activities from vaginal and anal intercourse to oral sexual acts such as fellatio and cunnilingus. Additionally, although less common, it is possible to contract gonorrhea through indirect contact with infected bodily fluids.
Once the bacterium enters the body, it adheres to the epithelial cells lining the mucous membranes. These areas include the urogenital tract, rectum, and throat. The bacteria's ability to evade the immune system allows it to establish an infection, leading to a range of symptoms.
Risk factors for acquiring gonorrhea include:
Gonorrhea primarily affects the genitourinary system and presents with several distinctive symptoms:
The initial symptoms typically develop within 2 to 7 days following exposure to the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The manifestation of these symptoms tends to be more pronounced in males. In contrast, females may not exhibit any noticeable symptoms, which makes the infection in women often asymptomatic and potentially more harmful if left untreated due to the risk of complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
If not treated adequately, gonorrhea can result in serious and permanent consequences, regardless of the presence and severity of symptoms. Complications can develop even in cases of gonorrhea with mild, subtle, or even absent manifestations.
At the genital and urinary level, in women, gonorrhea shows a strong tendency to become chronic. In males, the most common and feared complication of gonorrhea is epididymitis, an inflammation that can be painful and, if neglected, can lead to infertility.
The diagnosis of gonorrhea is established with a culture and microscopic examination of the infected secretions. The aim is to identify the bacterium responsible for gonorrhea, as well as allowing antibiotic sensitivity tests to be carried out.
Gonorrhea is an infection caused by bacteria, therefore it can be effectively treated with antibiotics, alone or in combination, administered orally and parenterally. The choice of drug is made by the doctor based on the site affected by the disease and the susceptibility of the isolated strain to a specific active ingredient during the diagnostic process.
Unfortunately, there are still no effective vaccines to combat the spread of gonorrhea. For the moment, the first act of prevention remains the correct and responsible use of the condom: even if it does not guarantee absolute protection, the condom significantly reduces the risk of contracting and transmitting gonorrhea.
To reduce the risk of contagion, it is advisable to limit the number of partners or at least use the necessary protection. The correct use of a condom not only hinders the transmission of infections through body fluids but also reduces the risk of contracting diseases through simple contact between the genitals.