Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea, commonly called "the clap," is a highly prevalent sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It infects the genital tract, rectum, and throat, spreading through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Pregnant women can transmit it to newborns during childbirth, causing serious eye infections.

Many infected individuals, especially women, show no symptoms initially. When symptoms occur in men, they include painful urination, white/yellow/green penile discharge, and testicular pain. Women may experience mild early symptoms like increased vaginal discharge, burning with urination, or bleeding between periods, progressing to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) if untreated.

Untreated gonorrhea causes severe complications: infertility, chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy in women, and epididymitis or prostatitis in men. It also increases HIV transmission risk.

Diagnosis uses urine tests or swabs from infected areas. Treatment involves a single intramuscular dose of ceftriaxone due to rising antibiotic resistance. Partners from the past 60 days must be treated to prevent reinfection.

Prevention includes correct condom use, mutual monogamy, and regular STI screening, especially for sexually active young adults. Avoid sexual activity for 7 days after treatment.