Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

It is capable of infecting both males and females. It affects the urethra, rectum, throat, and cervix.

Gonorrhea is spread by sexual contact with the infected individual. The infected genital fluids (vaginal and semen fluids) contain bacteria that enters the body via the mucous membranes .

. vaginal sex

. sex orally

from mother to baby during birth (can infect the eyes of newborns)

You can become infected with gonorrhea even if you do not ejaculate because the bacteria may be in pre-ejaculation and vaginal discharge.

person to person through sexual contact:

It is spread through direct contact with mucous membranes (the urethra, vagina, anus, and throat).

no transmission via surface or object:

Gonorrhea can't survive long on objects such as toilet seats, towels, or clothing.

Asymptomatic carriers: These include individuals who don't show symptoms of infection but can spread it to others.

Some individuals remain asymptomatic, but if symptoms arise, they can be

in men :

burning mict

white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis; enlarged or tender testicles.

in women:

increased vaginal discharge

painful urination

bleeding in between periods

pelvic pain

In rectal infections :

discharge

anal itching

soreness

bleeding

painful bowel movement

in throat infections: (from oral sex)

often no symptoms

sometimes sore throat

In women: ectopic pregnancy, infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

In men: epididymitis; and in both sexes : spread to joints and bloodstream (disseminated gonococcal infection, or DGI, a serious condition).

Use condoms: condoms should be used properly and consistently during all sex acts (vaginal sex, anal sex, and oral sex) to significantly lower the risk.

Limit sexual partners: having fewer sexual partners decreases the chance of STIs.

Get tested consistently:

if you're having sex with a new partner or multiple partners.

Avoid sex if symptomatic: Don't engage in sexual activity if you or your partner has any symptoms or has been diagnosed with an STI.

Communication : Talk with your partners about STIs and testing.

Diagnosis:

urine test

Nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT):

swabs are used when collecting samples from infected area (throat, urethra, cervix, rectum)

culture test: swabs are used as well but this test is less sensitive than the NAAT and may take longer

for symptomatic men: a gram stain is used here bacteria are stained and viewed under a microscope for quick results

Antibiotics are mainly used, yet it's important to treat both the infected person and the person's recent sexual partners to avoid reinfection and future spread.

First-line treatment : ceftrisxone 500 mg is given intramuscularly in a single dose.

If a chlamydia coinfection exists, doxycycline 100 mg is given twice orally for 7 days.

If any known resistance is suspected, culture and sensitivity-guided therapy may be required. It's advised to not be sexually active for 7 days post-treatment and until all partners are treated.

Gonorrhea can have serious effects on newborns if the infection is passed from mother to baby during childbirth, called perinatal transmission This occurs when the baby comes in contact with infected cervical or vaginal fluids during delivery .

eye infections : (ophthalmia neonatorum)

Causes redness, swelling, and discharge from the eyes and can lead to blindness if untreated.

blood infection : (sepsis)

Gonorrhea can enter the baby's bloodstream, leading to lifelong infection.

Joint infections (septic arthritis):

The bacteria can infect the baby's joints, causing swelling and limited movement .

Meningitis (rare condition): inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord.

pneumonia (less common):

Respiratory infections can occur in some cases.

Routine screening of pregnant women for STIs, including gonorrhea.

Treatment with antibiotics: during pregnancy if the mother tests positive.

Prophylactic eye treatment: for all newborns (usually with antibiotic ointment like erythromycin) immediately after birth to prevent eye infections.