Gonorrhea Disease

BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Gonorrhea, or "clap," is a sexually transmitted disease affecting the reproductive and urinary system. Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Virtually any mucous membrane can be infected (i.e., urethra, vagina).

In women, gonorrhea may affect the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Upper genital tract infection in women is referred to as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
In men, the epididymis and testicle may become infected.
N. gonorrhoeae may also infect the joints and cause arthritis.
A person can carry the disease without having symptoms.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Adolescent and adult males:
- Pus-like discharge from the urethra
- Difficult or painful urination
- Testicular pain
- Scarring of the urethra
Adolescent and adult females without PID:
- Often no symptoms
- Vaginal discharge
- Painful or difficult urination
Adolescent and adult females with PID:
- Menstrual cramps
- Lower abdominal pain and tenderness
- Fever
- Infertility
- Chronic pelvic pain
Either sex, if engaging in anal intercourse:
- Rectal discharge
- Urgency to defecate
- Rectal burning or itching
Either sex, other syndromes:
- Throat infection
- Eye infection (rare)
- Other: fever, chills, joint pain, painful skin lesions, heart disease, meningitis
Infants and children:
- Eye infection
- Pneumonia
- Vaginal discharge
- Rectal infection
- Throat infection
- Other forms of infection

CAUSES

Infection with N. gonorrhoeae

RISK FACTORS

Sexual exposure to an infected individual without barrier protection (condom)
Multiple sexual partners
Infant: passage through the infected birth canal of the mother
Children: sexual abuse by infected individual
Auto-inoculation (finger to eye)
For PID: use of intrauterine devices

DIAGNOSIS

WHAT THE DOCTOR LOOKS FOR

The doctor will perform a physical examination to identify the presence of disease or other conditions with similar symptoms, such as urinary tract infection.

TESTS AND PROCEDURES

A sample of fluid may be obtained for laboratory analysis.
Blood or fluid withdrawn from joint may be cultured.
Ultrasound or computed tomography (CT scan) may be done to assist with diagnosis.

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

Uncomplicated cases of gonorrhea can be managed in the outpatient setting
Severe cases or infection of infant may require hospitalization
Notification and treatment of sexual contacts is required
Abstain from sexual activity until after follow-up examination
Tests for syphilis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

ACTIVITY

Fully active for uncomplicated disease

DIET

No special diet

FOLLOW UP

PREVENTION/AVOIDANCE

For recurrence: no sexual intercourse until culture results are known and partners are tested and treated.
For prevention of initial infection: condoms offer partial protection

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Antibiotics: ceftriaxone, cefixime, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, azithromycin, penicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, metronidazole
Sexual contacts of persons with gonorrhea should be evaluated and treated.

MISCELLANEOUS

PREGNANCY

PID during pregnancy may lead to miscarriage or premature delivery.

OTHER NOTES

N/A

Clinical Investigations

ROLE OF HOMOEOPATHY

Holistic healing that treats the person, not just the disease. Experience gentle, lasting wellness with expert constitutional care.