Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is a disease produced by a bean-shaped bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoea.

Gonorrhoea is a disease, which is produced by a bean-shaped bacterium called “Neisseria gonorrhoea”. It is mainly spread by sexual intercourse. Rarely, kissing or the use of soiled towels can also be the route of spread. Only about 20% of the infected women show symptoms of the disease. In both genders long standing infection can invade the blood stream and affect skin, joints and even the brain.

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Gonorrhoea in Men: Genital infection produces a watery greenish-yellow discharge from the penis. There is a frequent urge to urinate. Passing urine is very painful, with a burning sensation. Testes may swell and become painful. Anal infection in homosexuals can produce ulcers and sore throat. Long-term infection can produce painful joints (arthritis), skin rashes, brain fever and heart damage.

Gonorrhoea in Women: Genital infection produces a red, raw vulva, with greenish-yellow discharge. There is a frequent urge to urinate. Urination is painful, with a burning sensation. Lower abdominal pain and menstrual irregularity may occur. Symptoms of anal and mouth infection are the same as in men

Complications of Gonorrhoea:

In Men:

Urethra (urinary tract in penis) can be blocked and thereby the kidney may be damaged.

Testes may get damaged and the man may lose the ability to produce sperm and thereby can become infertile.

In Women:

Fallopian tubes can be damaged and blocked.

Ovaries can be damaged and the follicles and eggs will be killed.

Both or any of the above can result in sterility (inability to bear or beget a child).

In Newborns:

At birth babies can get infected in the eyes during their passage through the vagina. It may result in blindness.

Chancroid: This is produced by a bacterium called “Haemophilus ducrei”. Nearly three to seven days after the infection, several soft, painful ulcers appear on male or female genitals. Later a painful one-sided swelling develops in the groin.

Lympho Granuloma Vernerum: This is produced by “Chlamydia bacterium”. Around 5-21 days after the infection, a small painless ulcer may appear on the penis or vulva. Weeks later, painful swellings and abscesses appear on the groin. There may be fever, headache, pain in the joints and genital swellings.

Granuloma Inguinale: This is produced by “Donovan bacilli”. About two months after the infection, a red painless swelling appears on the genitals. It slowly spreads forming bright red ulcers, which heal very slowly. The scars often break down and tissue and even the penis may be destroyed.

(Source: Webhealthcentre.com)