Gonorrhea / Gonorrhea

What is gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria *Neisseria gonorrhoeae* (gonococcus). It affects the mucous membranes of the genitourinary system, rectum, throat and eyes. Gonorrhea is particularly common among young people with risky sexual behavior. It often occurs without symptoms, especially in women, which increases the risk of complications and transmission of the infection.

How is it transmitted?

- Through vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact with an infected partner
- From mother to child at birth (neonatal conjunctivitis)
- The infection is not transmitted through toilets, towels or utensils

Symptoms

**For men: **
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Purulent discharge from the urethra (usually yellow-greenish)
- Morning sickness - Pain or swelling in the testicles (epididymitis)

**For women: **
- Often asymptomatic or with mild symptoms
- Urinary discomfort, vaginal discharge, bleeding between periods
- Pain in the lower abdomen, during sexual intercourse **In case of anal infection:**
- Itching, pain, discharge, bleeding **In oral infection:**
- Sore throat, sometimes without symptoms

Complications

- Pelvic inflammatory disease in women
– leads to infertility or ectopic pregnancy
- Epididymitis in men
- Sepsis and disseminated gonococcal infection – arthritis, skin lesions
- Conjunctivitis in newborns (gonoblenorrhea)

Diagnosis

- Microbiological examination with a swab from the urethra, cervix, anus or throat
- PCR tests – high sensitivity and specificity
- First morning urine test (in men)
- Testing for other STIs is also recommended: chlamydia, syphilis, HIV

Treatment

- Combination antibiotic treatment due to increasing antibiotic resistance:
- Third and fourth generation cephalosporins
- Treatment of all partners
- Avoid sexual contact until completely cured and a control test (if necessary)