What is Gonorrhea? How is Gonorrhea Treated?

This disease, which can be transmitted to people engaging in sexual intercourse with those who have gonorrhea, can pass to the baby during childbirth if it occurs in pregnant women. Therefore, raising awareness about gonorrhea treatment is important.

Due to the prevalence of gonorrhea, in this article, I will answer the most frequently asked questions such as "What is gonorrhea?", "What are the symptoms of gonorrhea?", "How to reduce the risk of contracting gonorrhea?", and "How is gonorrhea treated?".

What is Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea, caused by the bacterium "Neisseria gonorrhoeae," is a sexually transmitted disease. Gonorrhea, which leads to infection in moist and warm areas of the body, can affect both women and men through unprotected sexual intercourse. Gonorrhea is not transmitted through normal physical contact. The main reason for this is that the "Neisseria gonorrhoeae" bacterium cannot survive for a long time outside the body.

What Are the Symptoms of Gonorrhea in Men?

While gonorrhea symptoms never appear in some men, in others, they make their effect felt within the week following the transmission of the infection. The most common gonorrhea symptoms in men can be listed as follows:

• Need for more frequent urination (Pollakiuria)

• Burning sensation or pain while urinating (Dysuria)

• Swelling and redness in the penis

• Swelling and redness in the testes (Epididymitis/Orchitis)

• White, yellow, or greenish discharge from the penis (Purulent discharge)

• Pain in the rectum

What Are the Symptoms of Gonorrhea in Women?

In some women, gonorrhea does not cause serious symptoms; even if symptoms appear, it becomes difficult to diagnose gonorrhea in women because they create similar effects to different infections. The most common gonorrhea symptoms in women can be listed as follows:

• Vaginal discharge

• Burning sensation while urinating

• Need for more frequent urination

• Pain during sexual intercourse (Dyspareunia)

• Sharp pain in the lower abdominal area

• Fever

• Bleeding between periods (Intermenstrual bleeding)

Women and men experiencing these symptoms need to consult experts without losing time. If Gonorrhea is not treated, it can increase the risk of infertility in both men and women. Additionally, serious complications such as heart valve damage (endocarditis) and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes (meningitis) can occur as a result of the infection mixing into the blood circulation.

How to Reduce the Risk of Contracting Gonorrhea?

The most effective method in preventing gonorrhea disease is to use protection during sexual intercourse. The risk of this disease appearing increases especially in those who engage in sexual intercourse with multiple partners. The risk of disease transmission can be reduced by avoiding sexual intercourse with people carrying gonorrhea symptoms, transitioning to a monogamous sexual life, and using condoms during sexual intercourse.

Gonorrhea Treatment

People experiencing gonorrhea symptoms need to have the necessary tests done without losing time, and if a positive result is obtained within the scope of gonorrhea diagnosis, they need to start gonorrhea treatment processes.

Untreated gonorrhea can lead to serious complications in the long term, as I mentioned just before. The treatment of this disease is quite easy and is planned specifically for the person.

Antibiotics are used in the treatment of gonorrhea. Which antibiotics will be used in what dosage is determined specifically for the patient. It is important that partners who have contracted gonorrhea are treated at the same time to keep the disease under control. Sexual intercourse should not be engaged in before the treatment ends; one should become sexually active only after having a re-test after the treatment and ensuring that the disease has completely passed.

How Long Does Gonorrhea Treatment Take?

Gonorrhea treatment may vary according to the amount of bacteria transmitted and the resistance of the bacteria. Often, the treatment is completed in 7 days. When more resistant or a larger amount of bacteria is in question, this period may reach 1 month. When gonorrhea in men is seen simultaneously with chronic prostate inflammation (prostatitis), the treatment period may extend to 6 months.

Does Gonorrhea Go Away on Its Own?

No, gonorrhea is not a disease that can go away on its own. Treatment options must be evaluated.