There are quite a several sexually transmitted infections with varying causes and symptoms. However, the tricky thing about gonorrhoea and some other S.T.I.s is that they may not cause any symptoms. A person can have gonorrhoea and feel completely fine, with nothing to suggest that something is wrong with their health. This is why every sexually active person needs to stay one step ahead by practising safe sex and getting tested regularly.
Gonorrhoea is one of the most common STIs. The World Health Organization reported in 2016 that about 30 million worldwide were infected with gonorrhoea. Gonorrhoea is caused by a bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoea, and it targets areas of the body like the urethra, eyes, anus, vagina, throat, and female reproductive tract. Notice what these areas have in common? They are all moist regions in the body. Those areas allow the bacterium thrives.
When gonorrhoea symptoms appear in men, they can include swelling or redness at the opening of the penis and testicular swelling or pain. In women, specific symptoms include pain during sex, pain in the lower abdomen, heavier periods or spotting and even fever.
Burning sensation while urinating, persistent urination, abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina, and persistent sore throat are some of the symptoms of gonorrhoea in both genders.
Health Complications Caused by Untreated Gonorrhea
Gonorrhoea can be treated and cured with antibiotics, but in cases where it is not detected, it can lead to severe complications. Some of these complications include:
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
When gonorrhoea is untreated in women, it can spread to the reproductive tract and damage the organs. These organs include the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus. The symptoms of PID include pain in the lower and upper abdomen, pain during sex and urination, foul smelling discharge from the vagina. It can ultimately lead to infertility.
Transmission to a newborn during delivery
If a pregnant woman with untreated gonorrhoea gives birth, she can transmit the infection to the new baby during vaginal delivery. This is possible because the baby has direct contact with the mother’s genital fluids.
Epididymitis
Not only women experience complications from untreated gonorrhoea. Males can suffer from Epididymitis due to complications from gonorrhoea. Due to this condition, the tubes near the testicles that store semen become inflamed. It can cause pain in the testicles, painful ejaculation, frequent urination and discharge from the penis.
Infection of joints, skin and other organs
Gonorrhoea when untreated can get into the bloodstream and infect the joints, skin and other organs in the body. Symptoms of this widespread infection include swelling, joint pain, sores, fever, and skin rashes.
Many of the carriers are not even aware. This is why you need to take extra care in your sex life and practise safe sex.
Speak to a doctor on Doctall if you are experiencing symptoms of a suspected STI or have been exposed to one.
