Gonorrhea, sometimes called "clap", is a very common Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) in the United States. It is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhea. The mucous membranes in the genital region become inflamed without the development of any other symptoms. More than 350,000 cases of gonorrhea are reported to the CDC (Center of Disease Control) in 1998(Yancey). Sexually active teens living in high-density urban areas are at greatest risk at contracting gonorrhea.
There are quite a few people who contract this horrible disease. The incidence of gonorrhea has steadily declined since the 180’s, mostly because of public awareness campaigns and the risk of contracting other STD’s. Still, current estimates range from 400,000 to as many as man one million cases of gonorrhea in the United States each year. But of course, these estimates vary due to the private nature of the disease and the consequent underreporting that occurs. The majority of reported cases of gonorrhea come from public health clinics. Gonorrhea is transmitted through contact with an infected vagina, penis, anus, or mouth. It is spread through semen or vaginal fluids during unprotected sexual contact with a partner who has gonorrhea. Touching infected sex organs, like the vagina or penis, and then touching your eyes can also cause an eye infection. The bacteria are carried in infected discharge, semen, and vaginal fluids. However, gonorrhea cannot be passed on inanimate objects such as a toilet seat or towel. However, Gonorrhea can also be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her baby during a vaginal delivery. In babies, a gonorrhea infection may cause blindness, joint infection, or a life-threatening blood infection. Gonorrhea usually effects the mucous membranes of the urethra in makes and the cervix in females, women are more at risk than males are. A male who has unprotected intercourse with an infected female has a 20-30 percent chance of catching gonorrhea while a women has a 60-80 percent chance of catching it if having unprotected intercourse with an infected male. About 10 percent of men and more than 50 percent of women show no symptoms when they catch gonorrhea. For those who do experience symptoms, these usually develop within two to ten days of sexual contact with an infected partner. In a female, these symptoms include pain or burning during urination, yellow or bloody vaginal discharge, and/or spotting between menstrual periods after intercourse. The most common symptoms in males is discharge from the penis and a moderate to severe burning sensation during urination. Discharge is usually yellow and heavy, although it can be clear and almost unnoticeable. Severe complications can develop from gonorrhea that are more serious than the initial infection. Infection in women can develop into pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is the most important complication. About 20 percent of women with gonococcal infection will suffer from PID. Data from the National Center of Health Statistics show that approximately 1 million women are treated for PID each year. 212,000 are hospitalized, 50,000 requiring abdominal surgery (Ndowa). PID occurs when the fallopian tubes become swollen and inflamed due to infection. Women who are unaware that they are infected with gonorrhea, the gonococci rise from the vagina and the cervix into the uterus and then during menstruation spread up the sides of the uterus and into the fallopian tubes. Women with one episode of gonococcal PID have a 6 percent chance of becoming infertile and the likelihood of infertility. In men, complications of gonorrhea can include infection of the prostate, which causes pain between the testicles and the anal area. If the epididymis becomes infected, scarring can impair a man's ability to have children and can even cause infertility (Plankey). Adults with gonorrhea are treated with antibiotics. Due to emerging strains of drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhea, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that uncomplicated gonorrhea be treated only with the antibiotic ceftriaxone. Cefriaxone is given as an injection in combination with either azithromycin or doxycycline, which are two antibiotics that are taken orally (Hethcote). Your partner also should undergo testing and treatment for gonorrhea, even if he or she has no signs or symptoms. Your partner receives the same treatment you do. Even if you've been treated for gonorrhea, you can be re-infected if your partner isn't treated. Babies born to mothers with gonorrhea receive a medication in their eyes soon after birth to prevent infection. If an eye infection develops, babies can be treated with antibiotics.
Gonorrhea control procedures are constantly being reevaluated in order to achieve the optimal use of available resources. One primary goal of this monograph is to compare gonorrhea prevention activities by means of mathematical models. The surest way to prevent contracting gonorrhea is to not have sex or to not have sex with someone who is infected. Condoms can reduce your risk of getting gonorrhea if used the right way every single time you have sex. Washing the genitals, urinating, or douching after sex will not prevent any STD. If you are women you should be tested for gonorrhea if you have any symptoms, like pain or burning when you pass urine or vaginal discharge, a partner who has gonorrhea or symptoms that might be gonorrhea, another STD, such as chlamydia. If you’re pregnant, ask the doctor if you should be tested for gonorrhea. If you are a male you should get tested if you have a discharge from your penis, you may also feel pain inside your penis. If you have pain of burning during urination, itching, soreness, bleeding, or rectal discharge, or if you have a partner showing symptoms of gonorrhea. I think learning about Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) is important at any age and is relevant to any person. Being aware of the symptoms and when you should seek medical attention is always important.