Gonorrhoea Treatment & Symptoms

Women’s Gonorrhoea Treatment and Screening Clinic in Singapore.

What is gonorrhoea (The Clap)?

Gonorrhea is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). It is caused by a bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Gonorrhea’s nickname is taken from a french word : les clapiers. which means brothels .

In the past , men who visited these brothels invariably ended up with the infection.

According to some historians the name came about because the infected person would experience a clapping sensation that appeared suddenly when urinating.

Others say that the name originated because previously, in order to remove the pus-like discharge from the penis, the penis had to be clapped on both sides.

How do you get gonorrhea?

You can catch gonorrhea if:

• You have unprotected vaginal or anal sex with someone who already has the infection.
• You are giving or receiving oral sex with someone who has gonorrhea
• You come into contact with the semen (cum or pre-cum) or vaginal fluids of someone who has gonorrhea.
• You are sharing sex toys that aren’t washed or covered with a new condom each time they’re used.

Even if you have had gonorrhea before, you can still catch it again.

You can’t get gonorrhea from kissing, hugging, sharing baths or towels, swimming pools, toilet seats or from sharing cups, plates or cutlery.

It is possible for the bacteria to spread in the vaginal secretions, to the rectum. You don’t need to have anal sex for this to happen.

What are the symptoms of gonorrhea?

The most common symptoms in women are

• A change in the colour or smell or amount of discharge from the vagina .
• An unusual vaginal discharge which may be thin or watery, yellow or green.
• Pain when passing urine
• Lower abdominal pain or tenderness.
• Bleeding between periods or heavier periods
• Infection in the rectum. This does not usually have any signs and symptoms but may cause anal pain, discomfort or discharge.
• Infection in the throat. This usually has no symptoms.

Learn more about symptoms of other Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)

Do I need any gonorrhea tests?

Yes, a sample from the genital area is needed to make the diagnosis.

Firstly, Your doctor will do an internal examination of your vagina and cervix (entrance to the womb ).

Subsequently, Your doctor will take a swab from the vagina or cervix (neck of the womb) and send it to a laboratory where it will be tested for Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Urine test may also be used.

If you have had oral or anal sex, the doctor may also take swabs from your throat and anus.

If you have gonorrhea, you should also be tested for other sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, syphilis, herpes, trichomoniasis, hepatitis B and chlamydia, as you can have more than one infection at the same time.

Infographic of Gonorrhea in Women

What is the treatment for gonorrhea?

Gonorrhoea treatment: Gonorrhea is treated with a single dose of antibiotics.

 

Should I have sex if I have gonorrhea?

You should avoid any sex, even with a condom, until after both you and your partner have finished all your gonorrhoea treatment and you are reviewed by your doctor.

What are the possible complications of gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is unlikely to lead to any long-term problems if it is treated quickly.

However, without gonorrhoea treatment, it can spread to other parts of your body and cause serious problems.

Women can develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

This can cause abdominal and pelvic pain.

It can also lead to infertility and ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that occurs outside the womb).

Do I need to tell my partner?

If you do have gonorrhea, it is essential that your current sexual partner, and any other sexual partner you have had over the last two months, is tested and treated.

This is to stop you getting the infection again, and also so your partners do not develop complications.

(This article “Gonorrhoea Treatment & Symptoms” is written by Our Guest writer Dr Mastura Shahrum)

Take care gals!

Dr. Mastura Shahrum

For more information, please visit DTAP Clinic website, www.dtapclinic.com or email them at hello@dtapclinic.com.sg