Gonococcal gonorrhea
Every gonorrhea patient’s diagnosis must be reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance system because gonorrhea is a reportable condition. The reporting of gonorrhea diagnoses facilitates the development of prevention and treatment strategies by health authorities. Gonorrhea is fortunately simple to treat, but delaying treatment can lead to serious and sometimes permanent complications. For instance, women develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) when gonorrhea affects their fallopian tubes or uterus. In some severe cases of delayed treatment for gonorrhea, infertility develops in the patient.
Among the possible complications of gonorrhea in males is inflammation of the sperm-carrying tube, known medically as epididymitis. Male patients with severe or protracted gonorrhea are susceptible to infertility, as is the case with female gonorrhea. Gonorrhea is one of the sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium. The eyes, throat, urethra (the tube that conveys urine from the bladder), vagina, anus, cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes are common sites of infection for the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). (1)
Gonorrhea can affect individuals of any gender or age, but it is most prevalent among young adults and adolescents aged 15 to 24. Those who do not receive treatment for gonorrhea may develop long-term health issues, and in some cases, infertility may result. However, early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics can help to cure the infection and reduce the risk of developing health complications. As gonorrhea is contagious, it can be transmitted via oral, vaginal, and anal intercourse with an infected individual. Additionally, gonorrhea affects the cervix and other female reproductive organs, including the fallopian tubes and the uterus.
Therefore, the most effective method for preventing gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is to use a condom or other barrier-creating methods during sexual activity. Using a barrier method such as a condom can significantly reduce your risk of acquiring or transmitting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea. In addition, it is essential to remember that the use of barrier methods cannot always eliminate your risk of contracting gonorrhea, particularly if they are not used correctly. Although gonorrhea typically infects individuals through oral, vaginal, or anal intercourse. However, infants born to mothers infected with gonorrhea can also contract the disease during childbirth.
In neonates and infants with gonorrhea, the symptoms typically manifest around the eyes. Preventive measures against gonorrhea include abstaining from sexual activity with multiple partners, always using a condom, and maintaining a monogamous relationship. According to some reports, evidence also suggests that kissing with the tongue or French kissing may be a potential means of oral gonorrhea transmission. However, additional research is required to determine the likelihood of oral gonorrhea transmission. If a person has had gonorrhea before, they are at a greater risk of contracting it again. (2)
