Gonorrhea
What is gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It spreads through unprotected sexual contact and can affect different parts of the body, including the private parts, throat, and eyes.
Gonorrhea is one of the most reported STIs in Africa. According to the world health organization (WHO), millions of new cases occur each year in Africa, with young people (15-24 years) being the most affected. If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause serious health problems, including infertility in both men and women.
How is gonorrhea spread?
Gonorrhea spreads through:
- Unprotected sex: Vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person.
- Mother to baby: During childbirth.
- Touching infected fluids: If you touch infected genitals and then touch your eyes, you can get gonorrhea in your eyes.
How common is gonorrhea in Africa?
Gonorrhea is a serious health problem in many African countries due to limited access to healthcare, lack of awareness, and unprotected sex. The WHO estimates that over 11 million cases of gonorrhea occur in Africa every year. In some regions, up to 5 out of 10 sexually active young people may have an STI, including gonorrhea, without knowing.
What are the symptoms?
Gonorrhea symptoms can be different for men and women. Some people may not even notice any symptoms at all.
Symptoms in men
- Painful urination (burning sensation when urinating)
- Pus-like discharge from the penis (yellow, white, or greenish)
- Swollen or painful testicles
- Anal itching, bleeding, or pain
- Painful bowel movements
Symptoms in women
- Abnormal vaginal discharge (watery, creamy, or greenish)
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Irregular periods or spotting between periods
- Pain during sex
- Lower abdominal pain
- Anal itching, bleeding, or pain
Gonorrhea in the throat and eyes
- Sore throat and swollen lymph nodes
- Red, swollen, painful eyes with mucus discharge (if infected fluids enter the eyes)
Why is gonorrhea dangerous?
If gonorrhea is not treated in time, it can lead to serious complications:
- In women: Can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to infertility and ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb).
- In men: Can cause swelling of the testicles and infertility.
- In newborns: Babies born to infected mothers can have blindness or lifethreatening infections.
- In everyone: If gonorrhea spreads in the blood, it can cause heart problems, arthritis, and joint pain.
How is gonorrhea diagnosed?
To confirm if you have gonorrhea, doctors may:
- Test a urine sample.
- Take a swab from the genitals, throat, or rectum.
- In rare cases, take a blood test.
How is gonorrhea treated?
Gonorrhea can be cured with antibiotics. However, some types of gonorrhea are becoming resistant to common antibiotics. That is why doctors usually give two types of antibiotics (injection and oral medicine) to completely cure the infection.
Important:
- Take all your medicine as prescribed, even if you feel better.
- Do not have sex until you finish treatment and get tested again.
- Your partner must also be treated to avoid reinfection.
How can you prevent gonorrhea?
- Use condoms every time you have sex.
- Get tested regularly if you are sexually active.
- Have one faithful partner and avoid multiple sexual partners.
- Avoid sex with someone who has symptoms of STIs.
Why health education is important?
Many people in Africa do not talk about STIs due to stigma and cultural beliefs. However, knowing the facts can help save lives. Education and regular testing can reduce the spread of gonorrhea and other STIs. If you notice any symptoms, seek medical help immediately.