What is Gonorrhoea?

What is the Cause and Transmission Route?

The cause is the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium. Transmission occurs through vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact. The bacteria thrive in warm, moist areas of the body, which facilitates easy spread across mucosal surfaces. The infection is highly transmissible and often causes no noticeable symptoms, particularly in women.

What Symptoms are Associated with Infection and Why are Cases Often Asymptomatic?

Symptoms in men include a burning sensation during urination and a white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis. Symptoms in women include increased vaginal discharge, painful urination, and abnormal bleeding. A significant challenge is that many individuals are asymptomatic, meaning they can unknowingly transmit the infection to others.

How Does This Condition Impact Vision or Eye Health?

Gonorrhoea severely impacts eye health. The bacteria can cause a severe, rapidly destructive form of infectious conjunctivitis (pink eye) called gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum in newborns and severe infection in adults. The infection can quickly damage the cornea, necessitating immediate antibiotic intervention to prevent blindness.

How is Gonorrhoea Diagnosed and Treated?

Diagnosis is made by testing a urine sample or swabs taken from the affected site. Treatment is straightforward and involves a single injection of antibiotics (ceftriaxone), often combined with a second oral antibiotic to treat co-occurring STIs.

What are the Risks of Untreated Infection?

Untreated infection can lead to severe health issues in the pelvic region, including pelvic inflammatory disease in women, which can cause chronic pain and infertility. Infections can also spread through the bloodstream, leading to joint pain or systemic problems.