Neisseria Gonorrhoeae is a bacterium that causes the sexually transmitted infection (STI) known as gonorrhea. It is a common bacterial STI worldwide and primarily affects the mucous membranes of the genital tract, rectum, and throat.
Gonorrhea is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also be passed from an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth. The infection can spread easily because it often does not cause noticeable symptoms, especially in women.
What are the common symptoms of Neisseria Gonorrhoea?
In men, common symptoms of gonorrhea may include a burning sensation during urination, a white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis, and swollen or painful testicles. In women, symptoms may include increased vaginal discharge, pain or burning during urination, and abdominal pain. However, some infected individuals, both men and women, may be asymptomatic. When symptoms do occur, they typically manifest within 2 to 10 days after exposure.
If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious complications. In women, untreated gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can result in chronic pelvic pain, infertility, or an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. In men, untreated gonorrhea can lead to epididymitis, an inflammation of the epididymis, which can cause testicular pain and potentially impact fertility. Gonorrhea can also increase the risk of contracting or transmitting HIV.
Diagnosis of gonorrhea involves collecting samples from the infected site, such as urine, swabs from the cervix, urethra, rectum, or throat, and sending them to a laboratory for analysis. Testing may involve nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) or culture methods.
Gonorrhea can be effectively treated with antibiotics. However, there has been increasing concern about the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, making treatment more challenging. Combination therapy with dual antibiotics is often recommended to improve treatment efficacy.
Prevention of gonorrhea involves practicing safe sex, including the consistent and correct use of condoms, and regular STI testing, particularly for individuals who are sexually active or have multiple sexual partners.
If you suspect you may have gonorrhea or have concerns about STIs, it is important to do a rapid test and to consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment, and guidance.
